The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for faster adoptions of digital identity technologies to improve aviation security and operational efficiency.

Industry leaders in aviation security taking part in the Sydney Leaders Week Conference, echoed the sentiment and emphasised a need for collaboration in order to implement Verifiable Credentials (VS) and Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs).

The conference is hosted by Australian flag carrier, Qantas, and is being attended by key industry stakeholders and government representatives from Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

The incorporation of digital identity is expected to benefit aviation security by introducing stronger document integrity, which reduces fraud and unauthorised access, as well as improve global trust, enabling more secure, cross-border interoperable identify verification.

It will also boost operational efficiency by streamlining document verification for better passenger experiences, strengthen regulatory oversight, and optimise resource allocation.

To achieve this, key players in aviation security identified necessary steps for governments to take.

First, fast-tracking technology integration by incorporating VC and DID technologies into national and international security framework’s compatible with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) Annex 17 and Aircraft Operator Security Programs (AOSP).

Next, integrating aviation digital identity solutions into national digital strategies to improve global cooperation and allocating resources to provide industry stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and infrastructure to promote smoother implementation.

Finally, to promote awareness and industry-wide adoption of digital identity solution via targeted education and outreach, to increase stakeholder engagement.

As part of its efforts accelerate digital identity adoptions, IATA’s One ID initiative allows passengers to verify their travel documents before departure and use biometric recognition to move through airports, instead of physical documents.

One ID also works with ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential to ensure security and efficiency while remaining compliant with global regulations and privacy.

Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president of operations, safety and security, commented: “Global cooperation keeps flying secure. Adopting Verifiable Credentials and Decentralised Identifiers standards is a natural next step in reinforcing security, trust, and efficiency. Every aviation stakeholder wants flying to be even more secure—which crosses geopolitical divides.

“The technology is ready and proven. We now need to take the momentum of this meeting and work towards obtaining a recommendation at the upcoming ICAO assembly later this year.”