- Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport were first to achieve IATA One ID Certification.
- The certifications were presented at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Macao.
- Certification covers four areas including biometric handling and privacy governance.
- More than 80pc of departing Hong Kong passengers are eligible for Flight Token.
- More than 93m passengers have used Flight Token since 2021.
Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport have become the first organisations to achieve IATA One ID Certification. The certifications were presented at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Macao. The certification gives airlines, airports and governments assurance that an organisation’s use of digital identity and biometrics meets IATA’s global One ID standards. IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey found that 78pc of passengers would be willing to share biometric information to avoid presenting physical documents at airport checkpoints.
Organisations can be certified in one or more of four areas: digitalisation of admissibility, contactless travel, biometric handling and privacy, consent and governance. Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport were certified across all areas applicable to their operations. Hong Kong’s Flight Token system allows passengers to pass key checkpoints using facial recognition, with more than 80pc of departing passengers eligible and more than 93m passengers having used the system since 2021.
The certification forms part of IATA’s work to support adoption of digital identity across the passenger journey. This includes working with governments to remove regulatory barriers, enabling issuance and acceptance of Digital Travel Credentials, and a Contactless Travel Directory that allows airlines, airports and border authorities to connect with multiple partners. Certified organisations will be listed in a planned IATA One ID trust registry.
Nick Careen shared “Digital identity can make travel much simpler for passengers, but only if everyone involved in the journey trusts how others verify identity, handle biometric data, and protect privacy. One ID Certification gives them that assurance.”
Vivian Cheung shared “Achieving One ID Certification confirms that HKIA’s digital identity and biometric processes align with IATA’s global standards. As we work with airlines, airports, and government authorities to expand Flight Token beyond Hong Kong, this certification provides a trusted foundation for interoperable and seamless digital travel.”
Jeremy O’Brien shared “Our trial with Hong Kong International Airport showed how digital identity could work across borders, reducing the need for documentation and queuing, but it also showed that customers can trust us to keep their information safe.”
