WTTC calls for accelerated biometrics implementation among measures for safe air travel reopening

Accelerating the implementation of biometrics, along with automation and contactless touchpoints is one of many recommendations from a major industry body for the aviation industry to reopen its operations in a safe way.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has published a series of protocols to provide guidelines for nine different industries within the sector to resume operation and begin economic recovery as safely as possible.

In a report on “Aviation – Global Protocols for the New Normal,” among more than a dozen recommendations for operational readiness, the WTTC also recommends the use of self-declarations, and where mandated and backed by medical evidence, enhanced screening measures for both staff and passengers.

The aviation protocols were developed in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI), and supported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The organization is also launching a global “Safe Travels” stamp of approval to recognize those operating according to the protocols.

Vision-Box was among stakeholders helping the WTTC to launch the measures, the industry group’s second phase, to rebuild the confidence of consumers globally, and the biometrics company welcomed the initiative.

“As a leading forum of the travel and tourism industry, we are fortunate to have WTTC taking an important role in the formulation of trusted and clear travel standards in a post COVID-19 environment,” states Vision-Box CEO Miguel Leitmann. “Travel has become such an essential component of our daily lives, whether on business, vacation, or for personal reasons, that I am certain that we will soon be growing and thriving again. In the meantime, Vision-Box is working closely with our clients and industry stakeholders to implement touchless identification and contactless clearance solutions that enhance the safety and security of all travellers and staff throughout the travel and tourism sector. Moving forward Integrity, values and expertise drive our shared commitment to make our world a better place and we look forward to our mutual support, both personally and professionally.”

IATA, meanwhile, is calling for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO’s) global guidelines for restarting the industry to be implemented quickly by governments around the world.

Health screening, including temperature checks, and passenger health declaration forms are among the measures stipulated by the ICAO in its new framework, known as “Takeoff: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis.”

Article Topics

airport biometrics  |  biometrics  |  contactless biometrics  |  fever detection  |  ICAO  |  International Air Transport Association  |  passenger processing  |  screening  |  travel and tourism  |  Vision-Box  |  WTTC