Jeremy Springall, Senior Vice President of SITA, reflects on IATA’s call for the rapid adoption of digital identification technology.
Furthermore, he says that IATA’s call for action on digitalisation reinforces what has been known for a while – that the time to scale up digital identity is now.
“As I reflect on the past week, I couldn’t help but think about how much travel has changed – and how much better it’s becoming. From digital pre-clearance to biometric verification, digital identity is transforming the travel journey for everyone—making it faster, more secure, and more efficient.” Springall said.
Springall feels that if the industry wants to fully unlock its potential, there is a need to move beyond pilot projects and fragmented deployments.
Springall’s thoughts on the call for the fast-tracking of digital identification technology :
1. Security and efficiency don’t have to be trade-offs
For years, airports, airlines and governments have struggled to balance security with a frictionless travel experience. Too often, one has come at the expense of the other.
Digital identity changes that. By verifying travellers instantly, it strengthens security while keeping passengers moving.
Governments can combat fraud more effectively; airports can reduce bottlenecks at critical touchpoints and airlines can drive cost savings through faster turnaround time while being certain passenger data is accurate.
2. Piecemeal solutions won’t get us there
Many in the industry have embraced digital identity in isolated projects but without interoperability, we risk creating a patchwork of disconnected experiences across different borders, airlines, and airports.
An open, industry-wide approach—where systems work together seamlessly—is the only way to make digital identity truly scalable and valuable for everyone.
3. Operational improvements at every stage of the journey
The benefits of digital identity extend far beyond the traveller’s convenience. A more streamlined verification process has a powerful ripple effect across the entire industry.
– Fewer delays at check-in, bag drop, and security
– Reduced congestion at boarding and border control
– More efficient passenger flow, minimizing operational disruptions
For governments, airlines, and airports, this translates to increased throughput, lower costs and an improved travel experience.
4. Passengers are ready—are we?
Passengers already expect a faster, digital-first experience. Our research shows:
– 66% would pay to use biometrics for travel
– 75% are comfortable with using a digital ID on their smartphone
The demand is clear. The question is, will the industry move quickly enough to meet it?
5. Collaboration will determine success
No single entity can make digital identity work alone. Governments, airlines, airports and technology providers must align on a privacy-first framework that prioritises security and transparency.
With many governments already implementing digital IDs for other services, extending this to travel through Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) is a logical next step.
THE BIG PICTURE
Springall also says that the technology is ready.
Solutions like SITA Digital Travel ID can therefore help governments enhance border security.
They also enable airlines to streamline operations and allow airports to improve passenger flow—all while reducing costs and inefficiencies.
“Now is the time for us to move beyond experimentation and make digital identity the standard. If we work together, we can build a future where travel is not just faster, but smarter, safer, and more connected than ever before.” He says
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