Press Release
World's First Facial Recognition Boarding and Transfer Proof of Concept Utilizing Digital Identity
（Joint Release）
April 22, 2026
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
Tokyo International Air Terminal Co., Ltd.
Tokyo, JAPAN ― Japan Airlines Co.,Ltd. ("JAL," CEO: Mitsuko Tottori), and Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation ("TIAT," CEO: Masatoshi Akahori) jointly participated in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) "Data & Technology Proof of Concepts" program (*1).
As part of this collaborative initiative, JAL and TIAT conducted a proof-of-concept (PoC) aimed at realizing a next-generation boarding experience leveraging digital identity (*2). Specifically, facial recognition was used based on information pre-linked to a smartphone's mobile wallet to facilitate flight boarding and transfers. This marks the world's first successful use of digital identity for transfer flights.
With practical implementation, customers will no longer need to present passports at multiple touchpoints--including check-in counters, security screening, immigration control, boarding, and transfer gates--enabling a smoother, more seamless travel experience.
(*1) IATA Data & Technology Proof of Concepts: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/innovation/data-tech/#tab-4
(*2) The totality of various attribute information constituting a specific user in a digital environment.
[PoC Overview]
During reservation via smartphone applications, customers link digital certificates (Verifiable Credentials, VCs (*3)) such as boarding passes and passports to facial data in advance. Sharing this digital identity with airport systems enables boarding and transfers through facial recognition alone.
This process was tested across multiple use cases to evaluate the feasibility and challenges of standardizing digital identity technologies to meet increasingly diverse customer needs.
(*3) Verifiable Credentials: A system that securely signs and verifies digital identification documents and qualifications using cryptographic technology..
Use Cases
Route: HND (JL029) - Hong Kong (BA032) - LHR
[Main Results]
JAL and TIAT demonstrated:
- Interoperability of identity authentication across three different mobile wallets
- Support for two biometric authentication methods (one-to-one and one-to-many ) (*5)
- Integration of digital identity with existing systems (*6) at the airports
These achievements confirmed a significant simplification of procedures from reservation to boarding while reducing human error. The results are expected to underpin future technology standardization.
(*5) One-to-one is a biometric authentication method that involves comparing two facial data of an individual to confirm the identity. On the other hand, one-to-many method involves matching facial data against multiple registered photos to identify an individual. Biometric authentication differs by airports. One-to-one at LHR, and one-to-many at HND and HKG.
(*6) Examples include security and boarding gates such as Haneda Airport's "Face Express" and Hong Kong Airport's "Flight token".
[Video] The video offers a glimpse into what the future boarding experience will look like.
URL: https://youtu.be/_RPCLr2NNEE
For more details about the PoC, please refer to IATA's white paper:
URL: https://www.iata.org/data-tech#tab-4
To better meet the diverse needs of customers and provide a more comfortable air travel experience, JAL and TIAT will leverage the insights and technology gained from this PoC to continue active participation in pilot programs and enhance services.
About Japan Airlines:
Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan's first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 232 aircraft (as of March 2025) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 395 airports across 68 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious "World Class" Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.
For details and to learn more, visit JAL's official website at https://www.jal.com/en/
About Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation (TIAT)：
Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation (TIAT) was established in 2006.
Established in 2006, Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation (TIAT) has continuously adapted to shifting social landscapes and evolving passenger needs. The company is dedicated to developing a secure, comfortable, and inclusive terminal environment for all travelers. As a testament to these efforts, TIAT has been highly commended for meeting stringent global quality standards across multiple areas, including exceptional staff service, advanced terminal functionality, and pristine facility cleanliness. This unwavering commitment to excellence has earned the airport the prestigious Skytrax "5-Star Airport" rating for 12 consecutive years.
TIAT continues to provide facilities and services designed from the customer's perspective, while striving to realize an "advanced, people‑ and eco‑friendly airport." The company is committed to promoting airport operations that ensure the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
About Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA): For details and to learn more, visit HKIA's official website at https://www.hongkongairport.com/
