Air Canada will launch its digital identification programme at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on 3 December.
This initiative follows a successful pilot launched on certain flights. It is claimed to position Air Canada and YVR as pioneers in Canada for adopting technology that streamlines the boarding process.
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Air Canada’s digital ID employs secure technology to confirm identities. The digital ID option will be available for nearly all domestic flights, offering a modern and secure way to board.
The digital identification system is integrated into the Air Canada app, which already has features such as real-time flight updates, baggage tracking, and Aeroplan account access.
The technology eliminates the need to present a phone, boarding pass, or physical ID, confirming identities in seconds and allowing passengers to board swiftly and efficiently.
YVR CEO and president Tamara Vrooman said: “Together with Air Canada, we are pleased to introduce digital identification as part of the boarding process for domestic flights at YVR.
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By GlobalData“Digital identification will allow travellers to quickly and securely verify their identity at key airport touchpoints – similar to unlocking a smartphone or securing transactions.”
Participation in the programme is voluntary and based on customer consent, ensuring personal data control remains with the passengers. It is separate from government-sponsored initiatives such as NEXUS or Global Entry
Digital ID is also available for entry into Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges at select locations and the Air Canada Café in Toronto.
The airline plans to extend the use of digital identification to additional boarding gates and touchpoints in the future.
Air Canada is one of several airlines currently updating their boarding tech.
Air Canada Customer Experience Strategy and Canadian Airports vice president Tom Stevens said: “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.”
Recently, Air Canada partnered with Neste to purchase 77.6 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking its first commercial import of SAF into Canada to support its sustainability goals.
