Air Canada is the first airline in Canada to trial facial recognition technology to confirm passenger identities.

Face verification is now available for customers exiting Vancouver International Airport when boarding select Winnipeg flights, as well as entering the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Customers who are eligible for this test will receive an invitation to use this technology. They must then create their secure digital fingerprint through the Air Canada app before arriving at the airport. Watch a video below for more details.

This is a voluntary service that allows passengers to use a boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual checks if they do not wish to participate in the study.

The airline plans to expand the use of facial recognition technology to other airports and the airline’s Maple Leaf lounges.

Craig Landry, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “Many of our customers are already using digital credentials to simplify their day-to-day activities such as unlocking cell phones, gaining access at work, verifying identity for financial transactions, etc. We are excited We are very pleased to now take a leadership position in Canada and test digital ID cards with facial recognition technology to quickly, securely and accurately validate customer identification at select airport touchpoints. »

Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada, added: “Air Canada’s pilot will speed up processes at YVR and other airports while maintaining confidentiality rules and security standards. This project has great potential to make boarding easier and faster for Canadian passengers while maintaining strong security measures.”

Late last year, Air New Zealand introduced biometric facial recognition verification at its departure gates at Los Angeles Airport, while British Airways is testing biometric technology for international flights.

www.aircanada.com