December 15 2023  |  Aviation Trends

IATA rolls out next gen system supporting contactless travel

By PAX International Magazine Staff

IATA predicts passenger traffic is set to double by 2040

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced today that it has rolled out the next-generation travel documentation and verification system to support contactless travel. The system, which uses an IATA Timatic product that has undergone a complete redesign, is set to enhance the passenger experience. In its press release, IATA said the design is setting a new benchmark in travel compliance solutions.

The product, Timatic AutoCheck, builds off of its predecessor and offers a streamlined and interactive experience enabling travellers, airlines and travel professionals to access accurate and clearly worded immigration information. With this roll out, the document checking process becomes fully automated, with tailored instructions for each passenger.

Passenger traffic is set to double by 2040, driving the need for further optimization and enhancement of airport processes. Verifying passengers’ travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks where an automation solution is valuable. The new features of Timatic AutoCheck will also support the industry in the move towards contactless travel.

IATA’s most recent Global Passenger Survey (GPS) revealed that complex visa requirements deter travellers who want a convenient, digital online visa process. The results indicated that many are willing to share their travel document information for faster airport immigration procedures.

In fact, 36 percent of travellers said they have been discouraged from travelling to a destination because of the immigration requirements. Process complexity was the main deterrent for 49 percent of travellers, while 9 percent cited costs and 8 percent cited privacy concerns.

Where visas are required, 66 percent of travellers want to obtain a visa online prior to travel, 20 percent prefer to go to the consulate or embassy and 14 percent obtain their visa at the airport.

In the survey, 87 percent of travellers said they would share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, representing an increase from the 83 percent reported in 2022.

“Taking advantage of traveller willingness to use online processes and share information in advance, Timatic AutoCheck enables airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents a customer-friendly online solution, through which travellers can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services.

Timatic AutoCheck can easily be integrated into airline reservation and departure control systems (DCS). It can also be integrated into distribution systems used by travel agencies and online booking platforms for convenience.

Product enhancements of the updated Timatic AutoCheck product include:

  • Simplified Regulatory Content: Travellers no longer need to know terminologies or read through complex regulations because the information is delivered concisely.
  • Interactive Data Driven Approach: Users can input their travel details and receive personalized responses.
  • Practical Recommendations: While checking visa requirements, health regulations or entry restrictions, users receive instructions on how to proceed and comply with regulations.
  • Enhanced Automation: Airlines can incorporate the new Timatic AutoCheck into their systems enabling passengers to independently verify their travel documents and compliance status through the various check-in options on offer.

“Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating regulations, travellers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind. In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations,” said Leger.

Major DCS providers like Amadeus, Hitit and Sabre, along with various airlines and Star Alliance are already working with IATA to upgrade to the new Timatic AutoCheck, moving towards contactless travel.

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