Australia, NZ Pilot Digital Travel Declarations via Qantas App

Australia has taken another step towards modernizing its border procedures with the launch of the Australia Travel Declaration pilot, aimed at streamlining the passenger experience through digital credentials and facial recognition technology.

A collaboration between the Australian Border Force (ABF), the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and Qantas, the pilot is designed to replace the traditional paper-based Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) with a digital alternative. It commenced on 21 October 2024, with Qantas passengers traveling from Auckland to Brisbane being the first to trial the digital declaration process.

Eligible travelers were invited to complete their immigration, customs, and biosecurity declarations online through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before their flight. Once submitted, passengers received a QR-coded digital pass via the app and by email, which they presented to border officials upon arrival. The system also incorporates facial recognition technology, allowing for quicker processing at key airport checkpoints, reducing delays and enhancing the overall traveler experience.

ABF Commissioner Michael Outram praised the initiative as a pivotal moment in Australia’s border modernization efforts. “A significant amount of work has gone into getting this pilot off the ground, and I’d like to commend the efforts and contribution of Australian and New Zealand agencies and companies to get us here,” he said.

He emphasized that the pilot is just one of many initiatives co-designed by government and industry to make Australia a leader in border management, particularly in preparation for major global events like the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer Catriona Larritt described the pilot as the first step in a larger project aimed at improving the arrival experience for passengers. The integration of the digital declaration into the Qantas app is designed to make the process more convenient and user-friendly, enhancing customer satisfaction.

While the current trial is limited to Qantas passengers flying from Auckland to Brisbane, plans are in place to expand the program to other New Zealand cities, including Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Additional Australian airports and airlines are also expected to join the program as it progresses.

Participant feedback from this initial phase will be crucial in refining the system and ensuring its success before broader implementation.

Source: The Australia Today

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October 23, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team