Dec 1, 2018
The Fourteenth Symposium and Exhibition on the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) took place at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal from 23 to 25 October 2018. Centered around the theme of “Using Traveller ID for Streamlined Border Controls,” the Symposium addressed the five elements of the ICAO TRIP Strategy, including machine readable travel documents (MRTDs), specifications and best practices for document issuance, identification management and related border security issues.
Over 600 delegates, including 81 States, 15 international organizations and a large number of solution providers attended the event. Again this year, participants enjoyed a wide-range exhibition showcasing the latest industry technology and process innovations related to biometric identification, travel document security applications and border inspection systems.
Solution providers such as Vision-Box, an ACI World Business Partner, were present to discuss the latest available traveller identification technologies. Aaron Beeson, Director Business Solutions for Vision-Box commented “We are very excited to see how engaged governments airports, airlines and other travel operators are in the digital transformation of identities, borders and seamless traveller programs. This year’s event provided an exceptional opportunity to conduct productive conversations on the emergence of virtual identities and their role in privacy and traveller-centric seamless initiatives around the world.”
In line with various UN Security Council Resolutions that re-affirmed the vital role of border controls to combat terrorism, the Symposium offered an opportunity to increase international cooperation and collaboration to address the security and facilitation challenges faced by international civil aviation. The increased usage of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems and the implementation of ICAO Annex 9 ꟷ Facilitation Standards and Recommended Practices by Member States are important milestones for improvements on border control management.
As reported during the session entitled “Setting the scene” during the Symposium, ACI reiterated its support of the work being done at ICAO, through the TRIP programme and in the security arena. ACI reaffirmed its engagement to work with all key stakeholders towards a truly seamless passenger experience. As a representative of the world’s airports, ACI is also involved in various identity-related initiatives such as the Known Traveller Digital Identity of the World Economic Forum, and One ID, a project that falls within the vision of the New Experience Travel Technologies (NEXTT), jointly launched last year with IATA. These initiatives envisage a seamless process, removal of duplication, use of biometrics, on-the-fly processing (walking pace), use of automation and, most of all, a strong partnership approach.
Furthermore, the scale of the growth of aviation activity brings into sharp focus the need for systems and processes that are up to the task of tomorrow’s facilitation and security challenges. Airport operators, airline carriers and government authorities have to manage performance and growth, contain costs, make better use of resources and find efficiencies, all while improving the passenger experience and maintaining safety and security.
New technology is taking the aviation industry beyond what anyone could ever have imagined. The identification of travellers and the increasing drive towards the use of biometrics are key components. ACI will continue to support these initiatives in the future to help airports use the latest available technology and innovations to further enhance the passenger experience.
ACI looks forward to attending the fifteenth edition of the TRIP Symposium and Exhibition that will be held in June 2019.
Find out more about the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme.
Learn more about NEXTT.
