WestJet and TELUS tested Trusted Boarding, a process that uses facial verification technology for touchless boarding at YYC Calgary International Airport.
WESTJET
The team says the trial was the first of its kind in Canada.
The participants boarded WestJet flight 8901 at Gate 88.
WestJet says the trial demonstrated the responsible use of biometric boarding technology provides sufficient document validation and prevents non-authorized individuals from boarding an aircraft.
As per the news release, Trusted Boarding provides contactless document validation, where a facial verification scan is matched with a traveller’s documentation that has been uploaded through a TELUS-provisioned digital identity wallet in an IOS or Android smartphone application prior to boarding.
WestJet
“The travel experience is evolving to include many touchless processes and WestJet is innovating to ensure our guests’ travel journey improves to become more seamless and efficient, while prioritizing safety above all,” said Stuart McDonald, Executive Vice-President and Chief Information Officer. “The Trusted Boarding trial is a union between technology and WestJet that would in the future help our agents and our guests with contactless document validation.”
The identity platform was developed by one37 and document integrity validation was provided by Oaro which followed all data protection and privacy regulations covered under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The platform used Embross’ Canadian-made biometric hardware.
The company says users retain control of their personal information at all times and that they can securely share their verified personal credentials and revoke access when the data is no longer needed.
WestJet
The airline is seeking full approval for its use from the federal government as a safe and secure alternative for future WestJet boarding at Canadian airports.