Air Canada launches facial recognition technology to confirm identification

Authentication by facial recognition concept. Biometric admittance control device for security system. Asian man using face scanner to unlock glass door in office building.

Air Canada announced it has launched digital identification, becoming the first airline in Canada with approval to offer customers the safety and convenience of a new option using facial recognition technology to confirm identification.

In a pilot project currently underway, Air Canada’s digital identification is now available for customers departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) when boarding select flights to Winnipeg, and for eligible customers entering the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Air Canada plans to expand digital identification options to select Canadian airports and Maple Leaf Lounges as part of its pilot project phase.

“Many of our customers already utilize digital credentials to simplify their daily activities such as unlocking mobile phones, entering workplaces, verifying identification during financial transactions and more,” executive VP COO, Air Canada, Craig Landry, said.

“We are very excited to now take a leadership position in Canada and test digital identification using facial recognition technology to validate customer identification quickly, securely and accurately at select airport touchpoints. Participation in digital identification is voluntary.

“Customers choosing to use digital identification will benefit from a simplified and seamless process at the gate and when entering our Maple Leaf Lounges.”

In a pilot project currently underway. (Supplied – CNW Group/Air Canada). 

Minister of transport, Government of Canada, Honourable Omar Alghabra, said, “Our government and Canadian airlines and airports are eager to move forward with innovative solutions and technologies to modernize the traveller journey in airports across the country, which would enable a more seamless and efficient air transportation system.

“Air Canada’s pilot project will speed up processes at YVR, and other airports where it’s established, while respecting robust privacy measures and security standards.

“This project has great potential in making gate boarding easier and faster for Canadian passengers, while maintaining strong safety measures.”

Customers eligible to utilize the Air Canada Café in Toronto and customers on select flights from Vancouver to Winnipeg will receive an invitation to use the digital identification option, and instructions on how to create their secure digital faceprint prior to arriving at the airport.

Customers who do not wish to utilize digital identification may simply board as they currently do now by presenting their boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual ID check and processing. Likewise, customers may elect to continue scanning their boarding cards manually as they do now to enter the Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson.

Digital identification is a single enrolment feature on the Air Canada app.  Biometric data is encrypted and stored only on the customer’s mobile phone. Customers must provide additional consent for the data to be used day-of travel and will only be retained for up to 36 hours subject to Air Canada’s rigorous privacy and security standards.

Air Canada’s digital identification is strictly an optional, consent-based Air Canada program. It is not related to any government-sponsored program like NEXUS, Global Entry or US CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC).

Latest News

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

  • Cruise

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar

MSC Cruises has announced a webinar series tailored for travel partners focusing on MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC World Asia, set to launch in 2026. The webinar is scheduled over two sessions on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Bronwyn Knight, MSC Cruises NSW/QLD/ACT BDM, will host an 8:30am (AEST) session while Aaron Eilers, MSC Cruises Queensland BDM, […]

  • Tour Operators

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge celebrates 25th anniversary with new adventures

Baillie Lodges has announced that it is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with a range of new helicopter experiences for the 2025 season. Kicking off on 22 May, the 2025 season promises five months of generously inclusive luxury adventures for guests in nature’s own playground where black bears forage shoreside, whales, […]

  • Events

Longitude 131° reveals dates for 2025 Artists-in-Residence with Ernabella Arts

Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta has announced the 2025 dates for its popular Artists-in-Residence program in partnership with First Nations Anangu artists at Ernabella Arts. Longitude 131° holds a privileged, long-term working partnership with the team at Ernabella Arts, which includes commissioning artworks and ceramics, providing funding support for a ceramics tutor, the Artists-in-Residence program […]

  • Hotels
  • Luxury

Global celebrates balmy aperitivo night in Melbourne with Leading Hotels of the World

Global International Travel partnered with Leading Hotels of the World to welcome clients to a season opening “Inizio di Stagione Aperitivo”, a cocktail evening designed to evoke the charm of a Roman rooftop at its Melbourne HQ. Dedicated to celebrating Global’s esteemed clientele, the evening showcased the privileges offered through its VITA Partnership with Leading […]

  • Destinations
  • Events

Outback Queensland presents Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina

Adventure seekers can set their sights on Outback Queensland with the month-long Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina festival is set for 5 to 26 July. Whether cheering on the camels, dancing under the stunning desert sky, kicking up red dust, or soaking up the rich cameleer history, there’s something for every […]