Air Canada Launches Digital Identification System

Air Canada has launched a digital identification system through the Air Canada app. Passengers can voluntarily create a digital profile prior to travel, which is then used to verify their identity at airports using facial recognition technology.

At the outset, the system will only be available to access the Air Canada Café in Toronto; however, it’s expected to roll out to other Maple Leaf Lounges and boarding gates in due time. 

The process is entirely optional, and is meant to speed up access through automatic identity recognition instead of using boarding passes and manual identity checks.

What Is Air Canada’s Digital Identification System?

Air Canada has started trials of a digital identification system through its mobile app. At the outset, passengers who create a profile on the app will be able to use facial recognition to access the Air Canada Café in Toronto instead of their boarding passes.

As the trial phase continues, it’s expected that Air Canada will add the option to use facial recognition to gain access to other Maple Leaf Lounges and boarding gates. There is no timeline for the expected roll out to other areas of the airport, or to other airports aside from Toronto Pearson.

Creating a digital ID is meant to facilitate a contactless and seamless airport experience, reducing the need to keep track of your documents at multiple steps along the way. 

The technology works by first comparing digital measurements of your face, called “faceprints”, taken from a government-issued photo ID and a selfie taken through the app. If these match, you’ll be assigned a unique identifier which doesn’t contain any biometric data, and the faceprints will be destroyed.

The unique identifier is then sent back to your mobile device and stored alongside the selfie and other information you provide, such as your name, date of birth, document type, and document number. These data (your unique identifier and personal information) together form your digital ID, which will be used when you travel.

During the check-in process, you’ll be asked to consent to the use of facial biometrics to identify you at the airport. If you choose to consent, your selfie will be sent into a “day-of-travel” gallery, and after another faceprint is created, your selfie is then deleted.

As you approach a facial…