Auctorizium, a Singapore-based technology company focused on ePassport PKI and ePassport validation, in partnership with TECH5, a Swiss-based innovator in the field of biometrics and digital identity management, provided a turnkey solution for one of the world’s first digital travel credential pilot projects – Finland’s DTC (Digital Travel Credential) initiative. This allows travellers to fly between Helsinki and a number of locations around the world using a DTC Type 1 as specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization. This pilot is funded by the European Commission and results of the pilot will inform the EU Regulations on the use of DTC at EU borders.
Auctorizium is responsible for the development, deployment, and support of all technology components of the pilot system. This includes the identity wallet (Android and iOS), the registration system, the transmission protocol, pre-clearance checks, the Inspection System to handle the DTC, and assisting in the generation of reports for the DTC pilot.
For the facial biometric matching at the Inspection System, the project uses TECH5’s T5-OmniMatch SDK, integrated with Auctorizium’s solution. First, a passenger is verified 1:1 against a photo in their passport when applying for a DTC from their phone, and later verified 1:1 and “1: few” on boarding the flight. The SDK is powered by TECH5’s AI-based (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms, fully developed in-house and ranked among the fastest and most accurate in the world by various international benchmarks.
Finland’s Digital Travel Credential (DTC) represents a digital version of the passport and is as reliable as the physical document. DTC allows passengers on Finnair flights traveling to destinations outside the Schengen Area to pass through border control faster and easier than before without compromising security. Launched on August 28, 2023, in January 2024 the project was extended, and the DTC now can be used on the way to and from 22 Finnair destinations. The first digital verification of a passenger using the DTC took place on September 1, 2023, for the flight from Helsinki to London. The pilot project will continue at Helsinki-Vantaa airport until the end of March 2024.
The goal of this project is to facilitate travel and improve passenger safety through the latest technology, allowing travellers to complete immigration requirements before their flights, utilizing Digital Travel Credentials (DTC). This technology prioritizes secure data sharing and passenger privacy while enhancing verification and security.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between Finnair, the Finnish police, and Finavia, the airport operator. This initiative aligns with a broader European Union (EU) plan to test digital passports in a bid to enhance travel technology and security measures.
“The Finland pilot is the first of its kind to use the specifications of the Digital Travel Credential issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As the editor of the specifications in ISO SC17/WG3, I am very pleased that the European Commission has taken the lead on trying out the new specifications at EU border. While we possess the know how to implement such a solution, biometrics is not our core capability and I am happy with the partnership with Tech5, the quality of their product and also their excellent support capabilities. This enabled us to focus on our own core competencies in delivering the project while TECH5 took care of the biometrics.” comments – R Rajeshkumar, Chief Executive at Auctorizium.
“We are thrilled to be a part of a groundbreaking project with our partner Auctorizium, where Digital Travel Credentials (DTC) are being implemented in real border control for the first time ever. Witnessing the use of digital credentials in the real world is an exciting step towards establishing a broader infrastructure for digital identification. This initiative will enhance security, improve user experience, and pave the way for innovations in the travel industry.” – says Rahul Parthe, Co-founder, Chairman, and CTO of TECH5.
Till date, more than two hundred passengers flying Finnair have passed through border control smoothly using the DTC. An average check takes less than 8 seconds.