Air Canada has expanded its Digital Identification programme for domestic flights departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
This initiative allows passengers to use facial recognition technology as an alternative to traditional boarding methods, providing a faster and more streamlined process.
YVR was the first airport in Canada to deploy such technology as part of a broader effort to modernise the air travel experience.
Following a successful pilot programme, the Digital Identification system is now be available for almost all domestic flights departing from YVR. Passengers can opt into the programme, which uses biometric verification to confirm identity at boarding gates, alike to unlocking a smartphone.
Tom Stevens, Air Canada’s Vice President of Canadian Airports and Customer Experience Strategy said:We are thrilled to take a leadership position with the Vancouver Airport Authority in using technology to simplify and transform boarding of almost all our YVR-departing domestic flights. Digital identification is readily used to streamline numerous daily activities including unlocking phones and entering workplaces, and bringing this technology to the gate enhances the travel experience, making boarding flights convenient and effortless. The feedback from customers, notably our frequent flyers, during the pilot phase was very positive. We look forward to expanding this technology to additional airports.
Air Canada’s Digital ID programme has been integrated into the Air Canada app. Once registered, boarding passengers need only to approach the camera for biometric verification, removing the need for physical boarding passes or IDs.
Tamara Vrooman, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) said:Together with Air Canada, we are pleased to introduce digital identification as part of the boarding process for domestic flights at YVR. Digital identification will allow travellers to quickly and securely verify their identity at key airport touchpoints – similar to unlocking a smartphone or securing transactions,
The Digital ID program is also available for entry to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in Toronto (YYZ), Calgary, and San Francisco, as well as the Air Canada Café in Toronto. Air Canada intends to expand the programme to additional boarding gates and airports across Canada in the near future.
