Facial recognition technology. Photo: Shutterstock Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport have become the first organizations to receive One ID Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), recognizing their use of digital identity and biometric technology to simplify airport procedures.
The certifications were presented at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Macao on October 28, 2026. The program assesses whether airlines, airports and technology providers meet international standards for digital identity, biometric data handling and passenger privacy.
IATA’s One ID initiative aims to make airport journeys more convenient by allowing passengers to verify their identity and travel documents before arriving at the airport. At checkpoints, facial recognition can then replace repeated presentations of passports and boarding passes, where supported.
The certification covers four areas: digitalization of admissibility, contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent and governance. Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport have been certified across all areas applicable to their respective operations.
Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport.Photo: HKIAHong Kong International Airport operates Flight Token, a biometric identification system that allows eligible passengers to use facial recognition at key departure checkpoints.
According to Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung, more than 80% of departing passengers are eligible to use Flight Token across all departure checkpoints. Since the system launched in 2021, it has been used by more than 93 million passengers, the airport authority said.
The One ID certification confirms that the airport's digital identity and biometric processes align with IATA's global standards. Hong Kong International Airport also aims to expand Flight Token through cooperation with airlines, airports and government authorities outside Hong Kong.
Air New Zealand said its trial with Hong Kong International Airport demonstrated how digital identity could work across international borders, reducing the need for repeated document checks and queues while protecting passengers' personal information.
IATA's 2026 Global Passenger Survey found that 78% of passengers would be willing to share their biometric information to avoid presenting physical travel documents at airport checkpoints.
The association is working with governments to address regulatory barriers to digital travel credentials and is developing tools to support wider adoption. These include its Contactless Travel Directory, which helps airlines, airports and border authorities connect with biometric travel partners, and Timatic AutoCheck, which automates travel document checks.
IATA plans to publish certified organizations in a One ID trust registry, allowing industry participants to identify organizations that meet its standards.
IATA says the certification is intended to build confidence in digital identity systems as the aviation industry explores ways to make passenger journeys more seamless while maintaining safeguards for personal information.