Recent research commissioned by the Australian Airports Association has revealed that 78 per cent of travellers support passport-less border processing at Australia’s international airports to speed up their journey.
The national survey of 500 Australians, carried out in November, also found that 71 per cent support digitising the incoming passenger card via an app.
Four in 10 international air travellers reported experiencing delays or insufficient service at the border when departing or arriving in Australia in the past year.
Technology adoption is accelerating, with 73 per cent of respondents saying they are confident using self-service technology at airports.
Confidence was strong across all ages, though older travellers were less confident than younger ones.
“Our neighbouring tourism competitors are already moving ahead,” AAA CEO Simon Westaway said. “Singapore and Indonesia are rolling out advanced biometric border systems, and New Zealand has shifted from paper arrival cards to a digital traveller declaration. Australia needs to catch up or risk falling behind.
“Record international air travel has driven Australian aviation growth, up 9.6 per cent last financial year, and we must now lay the groundwork for a modern, future-ready border experience.
“A border bottleneck must never be a tourist’s first impression of Australia, and returning Australians deserve an equally seamless arrival. We need bold ambitions and practical action.”
Westaway was speaking ahead of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Conference & Industry Expo which is on at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Australian Airports Association Conference opens on the Gold Coast
“We’re back in Queensland for our National Conference this year, and with the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we need to move quickly,” he said.
“Australian airports contribute more than $105 billion to the economy each year and support nearly 700,000 jobs. With international passenger numbers forecast to double by 2050, a more modern and productive border is essential to enable this growth.”
Australian Airports Association Conference opens on the Gold Coast
