Aviation security leaders are pushing for accelerated implementation of digital identity technologies to bolster safety and streamline global air travel.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside government and industry representatives from Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, issued the call during Sydney Leaders Week, a conference hosted by Qantas aimed at addressing critical challenges in aviation.
Delegates emphasized the urgent need for standardized digital solutions such as Verifiable Credentials (VCs) and Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) to combat fraud, enhance cross-border security interoperability, and reduce bottlenecks in passenger processing. Proponents argue these technologies could strengthen document integrity, enable seamless international identity verification, and improve resource allocation for regulators and airlines.
“Global cooperation is the backbone of aviation security,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security. “Adopting verifiable digital identity standards isn’t just logical—it’s imperative. This transcends geopolitical divides because every stakeholder shares the goal of safer travel. The tools exist; now we need unified action.” Careen urged attendees to leverage the conference’s momentum ahead of this year’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly, where formal recommendations will be debated.
Conference participants outlined actionable steps for governments, including integrating VCs and DIDs into existing security protocols like ICAO’s Annex 17 and Aircraft Operator Security Programs. They also stressed the importance of embedding aviation-specific digital identity strategies into national agendas, funding training programs for industry personnel, and launching targeted campaigns to drive adoption.
IATA’s One ID initiative, which aligns with ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential, emerged as a focal point. The program allows passengers to pre-verify travel documents and use biometrics—such as facial recognition—instead of physical IDs at airports. Privacy safeguards and compliance with global regulations remain central to its design.
Meanwhile, IATA’s Aviation Security Trust Framework seeks to harmonize regulations, foster public-private collaboration, and build infrastructure to support digital identity systems. “This isn’t just about technology,” Careen added. “It’s about creating a cohesive ecosystem where security and efficiency coexist.”
The Sydney talks signal growing consensus that digital identity adoption is no longer optional but a necessary evolution for an industry grappling with rising passenger volumes and sophisticated security threats. With ICAO’s assembly poised to address the issue later this year, stakeholders aim to transform dialogue into binding global standards.
