Air New Zealand trials new digital ID in a step toward more seamless travel

Customers are required to show their passport multiple times across their journey including for check-in, boarding, transit and arrival processes. With airlines, airports, border agencies and partner airlines all carrying out separate checks, the experience can be time-consuming and fragmented.

To help change that, Air New Zealand is working with partners to test a digital identity that allows customers to add their passport information in the Air NZ app, securely share verified identity information at online check-in, and then use that information to support *biometric verification at selected touchpoints across the journey. The pilot also supported the use of Apple Wallet’s Digital ID.

The technology is designed to make travel easier from the outset. It can prefill passport details, help customers understand what documents they need for their trip and enable verified information to be used across multiple journey touchpoints.

Customers would not need to repeatedly present their passport throughout their journey. Instead, at selected airport touchpoints, a live facial scan could be matched to the passport image securely shared from the traveller’s digital wallet, reducing the need for repeated document checks.

The trial also included integration with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), making it easier for customers to complete the online form.

Privacy and consent are central to the trial, with customers remaining in control of their information, including when, how and with whom it is shared. Essential security protocols are also maintained throughout the process.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O’Brien says the trial marks an important step toward a simpler, more connected travel experience.

"Our ambition is to make travel easier from start to finish. That means fewer document checks, less time queueing and a smoother experience overall.

“This trial shows how digital identity could help create a more seamless journey, while also improving security through encrypted data and customer-controlled information sharing.”

In the March pilot, participants travelling on a return journey between Auckland and Hong Kong were able to share their digital ID during online check-in, with that verified information then supporting biometric scans throughout the journey.

The trial brought together multiple partners and systems, including integration with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, the IATA Travel Directory, Hong Kong International Airport’s Flight Token framework and Air New Zealand’s own check-in.

Air New Zealand is working closely with government agencies and industry partners to further develop the solution. The airline is also sharing insights from the trial with global aviation bodies, including IATA.

Air New Zealand will now explore a broader pilot and options to trial the technology across different ports, with Australia a key focus for the next phase.

Notes to editor

*Biometric verification is a facial scan that uses a camera to compare a person’s live facial image with the passport photo previously shared from their digital wallet or app.

Video available here

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand’s story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It’s a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand’s global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World’s Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline’s laser-focus on safety.

Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline’s efforts in tackling some of New Zealand’s and the world’s most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand’s loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.

About Star Alliance

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.

For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com