# Air New Zealand One ID Certification: Group Travel Notes > Air New Zealand is one of the first two holders of IATA One ID certification. What it means, and does not mean, for groups. Source: https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-11-05-air-new-zealand-one-id-digital-identity-group-travel/ Aviation 5 November 2026 · Explera Trade Desk · 4 min read ![A man and a woman checking a boarding pass and a phone beside a check-in counter in an airport terminal](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/photos/business-people-holding-boarding-pass-using-mobile-phone_107420-95773-1400.webp) **Short answer:** Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport were the first organisations to receive IATA's One ID certification, IATA announced on 28 October 2026. It followed a digital identity trial on Air New Zealand's Auckland–Hong Kong flights in March 2026. Neither announcement says the documents a visitor needs for New Zealand have changed, so we brief groups as before. This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators who send groups to New Zealand on Air New Zealand, above all from Hong Kong and Asia. It covers what was certified and what clients should not be promised yet. ## What did IATA certify? - **The first two.** Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport were the first organisations to earn IATA's One ID certification, after their biometric trial. - **Where and when.** IATA announced the certifications on 28 October 2026 at its World Passenger Symposium in Macao, and says both were certified across all the areas that apply to their own operations. - **Four areas.** The certification covers digitalisation of admissibility, contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent and governance. - **What One ID is.** A set of industry standards under which passengers verify their identity and travel documents before reaching the airport, then pass checkpoints using facial recognition. ![An airline staff member checking a passport at a counter while a traveller waits](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/photos/commuter-standing-counter-while-attendant-checking-his-passport_107420-95793-1400.webp) *An airline staff member checking a passport at a counter while a traveller waits* ## How did the Air New Zealand trial work? Air New Zealand announced the trial on 10 April 2026. In the airline's description: - **The route.** The pilot ran in March 2026 on return flights between Auckland and Hong Kong. - **The steps.** Customers added their passport details in the Air NZ app and shared verified identity information during online check-in. At selected airport touchpoints, a live facial scan was matched to the passport photo shared from their digital wallet or app. - **The links.** The trial worked with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, the IATA Travel Directory, Hong Kong International Airport's Flight Token framework and Air New Zealand's check-in. Apple Wallet's Digital ID was also supported. - **What comes next.** The airline said it would explore a broader pilot across different ports, with Australia a key focus for the next phase. ## What should agents tell group clients? - **Nothing changes yet.** The announcements describe a completed trial and a certification, not a new service for every passenger. Clients still travel on their passport and meet New Zealand's entry rules. See our [New Zealand entry requirements briefing](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-05-new-zealand-entry-requirements-nzeta-visas-agents/). - **Use the eGates where eligible.** Many group members can already clear New Zealand passport control at the Customs eGates. See our [New Zealand eGates briefing](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-26-new-zealand-egates-arriving-groups-passport-control/). - **Hong Kong departures.** IATA's release says more than 80% of departing passengers at Hong Kong International Airport are eligible to use Flight Token, its self-service facial recognition system launched in 2021, across all departure checkpoints, and that more than 93 million passengers have used it. - **Ask, do not assume.** The airline or the agency confirms what each passenger can use at check-in. We plan the ground programme around the confirmed flight. ![A traveller receiving his passport and boarding pass from an airline staff member at a counter](https://www.explera.co.nz/assets/photos/man-queue-receiving-passport-boarding-pass_107420-63583-1400.webp) *A traveller receiving his passport and boarding pass from an airline staff member at a counter* ## How Explera DMC New Zealand can help We are the [Auckland DMC](https://www.explera.co.nz/destinations/auckland/) for travel agents and tour operators, and we meet groups arriving on Air New Zealand's long-haul flights. Agents in Hong Kong can see our [New Zealand DMC in Hong Kong](https://www.explera.co.nz/new-zealand-dmc-in-hong-kong/) page, and our [Air New Zealand on-time performance briefing](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-10-18-air-new-zealand-on-time-performance-group-connections/) covers connection planning. ## FAQ **What is IATA One ID certification?** It is IATA's certification for an airline's or airport's use of digital identity under its One ID standards. Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport were the first to receive it. **Which route did Air New Zealand trial digital identity on?** Return flights between Auckland and Hong Kong, in March 2026. **Can group clients skip showing their passport on Air New Zealand now?** The announcements describe a trial and a certification, not a new service for all passengers. Clients should travel with their passport and meet New Zealand's entry rules as usual. **Where will Air New Zealand trial digital identity next?** The airline said it would explore a broader pilot across different ports, with Australia a key focus for the next phase. **Does Explera DMC New Zealand book Air New Zealand flights?** No. Flights are booked through the airline or the agency's own channels. We plan the ground programme from the arrival. ## Sources - [Air New Zealand and Hong Kong International Airport first to achieve IATA One ID certification](https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2026-releases/10-28-air-new-zealand-hong-kong-international-airport-first-achieve-iata-one-id-certification/), IATA, 28 October 2026 - [IATA Awards First One ID Certifications to Air New Zealand and Hong Kong Airport](https://idtechwire.com/iata-awards-first-one-id-certifications-to-air-new-zealand-and-hong-kong-airport/), ID Tech, 28 October 2026 - [Air New Zealand Trials New Digital ID In A Step Toward More Seamless Travel](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2604/S00141/air-new-zealand-trials-new-digital-id-in-a-step-toward-more-seamless-travel.htm), Air New Zealand via Scoop, 10 April 2026 ## Talk to the trade desk Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal [b2b.expleradmc.com](https://b2b.expleradmc.com). Destinations in this briefing [Auckland](https://www.explera.co.nz/destinations/auckland/) Work with our New Zealand DMC [New Zealand DMC](https://www.explera.co.nz/)[New Zealand DMC services](https://www.explera.co.nz/services/) ## Talk to the trade desk *Your New Zealand DMC partner* From a single FIT to series groups and full MICE programmes, every New Zealand proposal is costed by hand against your brief at net rates. Request a quote with the form, or send your requirements as a new email with a descriptive subject line. [Request a quote](https://www.explera.co.nz/contact-us/#quote) [Register on the B2B platform](https://b2b.expleradmc.com/web/signup) [b2b@explera.co.nz](mailto:b2b@explera.co.nz) [WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090](https://wa.me/66936568090) ## More from the trade blog. *Keep reading* [All posts](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/rss.xml) - [Princess Cruises 2028/29: Auckland Pre- and Post-Cruise Groups](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-11-05-princess-cruises-2028-29-auckland-pre-post-cruise-groups/) - [Air New Zealand's New 787-9s: Long-Haul Group Notes](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-11-04-air-new-zealand-new-787-9-skynest-long-haul-groups/) - [Sea Turtles in Northland Waters: Boat Day Notes](https://www.explera.co.nz/blog/2026-11-04-sea-turtles-northland-harbours-boat-day-groups/)