KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has launched a Digital Travel Credential (DTC) pilot project at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
This pilot project is running until 31 March 2024 to explore how the DTC1 information contained on the chip of a passport works in conjunction with facial recognition at border checks.
The project is taking place at the request of the European Commission (EC). It is being conducted by the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the National Office for Identity Data in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM and technology provider IDEMIA.
Passengers are eligible to participate in the pilot when flying KLM from Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal) to Amsterdam. They must hold a Belgian, Dutch or Canadian passport and be over 18 years old.
After uploading their passport information and facial photo at home using an app, participants can pass through DTC Tap & Go border gates at Schiphol. These gates use a facial scan to call up the DTC and compare it to the passenger’s passport. This process is expected to speed up the border process for travellers.
“On a daily basis, we examine how we can make the passenger journey even more comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. As an airline, KLM is responsible for passport checks as well as check-in and boarding. Digitisation provides an opportunity to make these checks faster and more efficient for our customers, starting from home. To do so properly, legislation and regulations are needed. That’s why are happy to be participating in the trial conducted by the Dutch government so that we can share our expertise and improve our services.”
