[4th November, Bangkok] – In a significant stride toward revolutionising air travel, Neoke, in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other industry leaders, has achieved a landmark proof-of-concept (PoC) that moves the industry closer to a fully digital travel experience. On October 21 and 22, two passengers completed a seamless round-trip journey between Hong Kong and Tokyo, utilising only digital wallets and travel credentials—no physical documents required.

This initiative expands on a 2023 PoC, moving from a controlled test environment to a live environment for airport processes at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT). 

“The successful completion of this PoC marks a significant milestone in making fully digital interoperable travel a reality,” said Neoke CEO, Vikas Bhola, “As the industry embraces digital identity and biometric technology, we are moving closer to delivering a seamless, secure, and efficient travel experience for passengers.” 

PoC Highlights: 

• Digital Identity and Biometrics Prove Themselves: The PoC illustrated that a secure, fully digital travel experience, enhanced by biometric identification in harmonization with existing airline/airport processes is possible for those who prefer it. This allowed the passengers to move smoothly through airport processes like check-in, baggage drop, security, immigration, and boarding —without needing to show physical documents. 
• Seamless Integration of Verifiable Credentials (VCs): Industry standards (One ID) for digital travel were validated, with live biometric and boarding pass credentials successfully integrated. A Visa Verifiable Credential (VC) was used to facilitate paperless document verification. 
• Interoperability and Flexibility: The PoC demonstrated that digital credentials from multiple issuers and digital wallets could be used seamlessly across travel stages and international borders, showcasing the technology’s adaptability. 
• Trusted Issuer Registry Tested: A critical component of the PoC was the verification of credentials issued by trusted entities through an open ecosystem. This successful test underscores the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors for broader digital adoption. 

Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, praised the collaboration, saying, "Thank you to Neoke for their collaboration in demonstrating a seamless fully digital travel experience powered by digital identity and biometrics has moved from theory to proven reality. The challenge now is to make this more efficient travel experience available to all travellers. There is good reason for optimism. Global standards (One ID) are already in place to support digital identity and government efforts to adopt digital travel credentials based on ICAO standards are picking up pace. Europe is already planning to issue Digital Identity Wallets to citizens and residents by 2027."

Neoke remains committed to leading digital transformation in the travel industry and fostering innovative collaborations using digital identity. This PoC exemplifies Neoke’s dedication to delivering solutions that bring unprecedented levels of privacy, convenience, and interoperability to modern travel.