By 2026, biometric may be accessible to tourists for both the check-in and bag-drop procedures at more than half of the world’s flights, according to plans shared with for its statement. In spite of a steady rise in adoption, biometrics for passenger processing and online identity management are still major investment priorities in the sector.
According to the 57-page statement, biometric are still transforming customer running, with 7 in 10 airlines aiming to adopt biometric identification control systems by the year.
The effects on airport congestion are anticipated to be significant, with a 30 % faster processing time for passengers and a 60 % shorter wait time. The findings of SITA are comparable to those of a recent study of IATA’s One ID program in Asia, which found a 40 % decrease in passenger processing times.
IT spending by airlines reached an estimated$ 37 billion in 2024, and airports spent nearly another$ 9 billion, according to the report. The aircraft industry’s efforts to improve their security are growing as biometrics investments and adoption increase.
” This month’s findings emphasize a pivotal time for the aviation market”, says SITA CEO David Lavorel. Airlines and airports are taking crucial steps to protect their operations and passengers as virtual threats become more sophisticated. At the same time, fingerprint and AI software are simplifying the travel knowledge, helping the market meet growing desire, and build endurance for the future. It’s obvious that the air travel industry is going through a change, and these statistics prove it”.
Single-token online personalities have increased from 17 to 24 percent over the past month, and another 27 percent intend to implement single-token strategies by the end of 2027. Touchscreen technology are in the plans for 66 percent of respondents, and “biometric-enabled” digital identity technology has already been implemented by 32 percent, but another 43 percent plan to do so before 2028.
Data privacy is still a major issue for aviation companies adopting biometrics, but the adoption rate has been surpassed by adoption rates ( 20 % ) and is well ahead of border authority regulations ( 18 % ).
When asked what online identification credentials they plan to use for genetic identification, 38 percent said a national or regional token, such as the EU Digital Identity Wallet, while 32 percent say an airport or airport-issued gift. (DTCs ) are in the plans for 27 percent, just ahead of ICAO ePassports ( 26 percent ). Another certificates like mDLs are on the agenda for 17 percent, according to the study.
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