The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has rolled out the next generation travel documentation and verification system which supports contactless travels with the possibilities of enhancing passenger experience.
IATA’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Products and Services, Frederic Leger, announced the new measures called: Timatic AutoCheck.
He said the measure would take advantage of travelers’ willingness to use online processes and share information in advance.
The new measure, he said, would also enable airlines, ground handlers, departure control systems and travel agents to activate a customer-friendly online solution through which they can check that they comply with all immigration requirements before setting off to the airport.
But the new documentation is yet to take off in Nigeria.
Speaking on details of the documentation, Leger said: “Timatic AutoCheck can easily be integrated into airline reservation and departure control systems (DCS) as well as distribution systems used by travel agencies and online booking platforms and features product enhancements, such as Simplified Regulatory Content, Interactive Data Driven Approach, Practical Recommendations and Enhanced Automation.
“Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating regulations, travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.
“In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations.”
To achieve this, the IATA chief said the documentation had undergone a complete redesign, setting a new benchmark in travel compliance solutions.
The documentation offers a streamlined and interactive experience, enabling travelers, airlines and travel professionals to easily access accurate and clearly worded immigration information.
The entire document checking process, Leger said, had been automated with tailored instructions for each passenger.
He added: “With passenger traffic set to double by 2040, the optimisation and enhancement of airport processes will need to continue. Verifying passengers’ travel documentation is one of the more time-consuming tasks which will benefit from further automation.
“Moreover, the new features of Timatic AutoCheck will also play an essential role in supporting the industry in the move towards contactless travel.”
According to IATA’s most recent Global Passenger Survey (GPS), “complex visa requirements deter travelers who want a convenient, digital online visa process. Moreover, many are willing to share their travel document information for faster airport immigration procedures”.
The survey carried out by IATA revealed that 36 per cent of travelers said they have been discouraged from traveling to a particular destination because of the immigration requirements.
It revealed that process complexity was highlighted as the main deterrent by 49 per cent of travelers, 19 per cent citing costs and eight percent privacy concerns.
The survey reads: “Where visas are required, 66 per cent of travelers want to obtain a visa online prior to travel, 20 per cent prefer to go to the consulate or embassy and 14 per cent at the airport.
“Eighty-seven per cent of travelers indicated they would share their immigration information to speed up the airport arrival process, representing an increase from the 83 per cent reported in 2022.
“Timatic AutoCheck represents a further milestone in the pursuit of efficiency and convenience within the travel industry. By effortlessly navigating regulations, travelers can embark on their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.
“In addition, this innovation also enables airlines, ground handlers and travel agents to enhance customer satisfaction, integrate travel documentation verification into the contactless travel experience and streamline their operations.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
