World's first: AirAsia partners with Interpol to enhance passport security with advanced safety system

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive report

Backpackers can now travel with greater peace of mind. On May 9, AirAsia moved into the world’s largest low-cost carrier terminal — Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2). The hardware facilities have been upgraded; not only does the airline now use boarding bridges, eliminating the need for shuttle buses, but the airport also houses 10 baby care rooms and more than 225 carefully selected shops, providing passengers with a diverse shopping experience. At the same time, the airline has enhanced its aviation safety software systems and officially announced that it will be the first to partner with Interpol, becoming the world’s first airline to adopt Interpol’s I-Checkit security system.


▲ AirAsia announced it will be the first to partner with Interpol, becoming the world’s first airline to adopt Interpol’s I-Checkit security system. (Photo / Provided by AirAsia)

The I-Checkit security system can instantly connect to Interpol’s database and further scan passengers’ passports to detect whether anyone attempting to board a flight is using a stolen or lost passport. The scanning process only takes 0.5 seconds. AirAsia plans to widely implement the I-Checkit system, which will eventually cover 100 Asian airports and 600 international flights daily across more than 20 countries, aiming to provide every passenger with a more reassuring and secure flying experience.

According to investigation data from Interpol, since 2002, there have been over 40 million lost or stolen travel documents globally, with passport theft being the most common issue. The I-Checkit system can compare passengers’ passport numbers with records of lost and stolen travel documents from 167 countries, leaving no room for passport-related aviation security loopholes. At the same time, only the passenger’s travel document number, file format, and country code are used during the comparison process to protect passengers' private information from being leaked.

To provide passengers with a higher-quality and more comfortable flying environment, AirAsia has officially moved into the newly completed Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2). Unlike the past when low-cost carrier passengers had to take shuttle buses to board or disembark, AirAsia has now fully adopted the boarding bridge services provided by KLIA2, so passengers no longer have to endure the inconvenience of sun or rain exposure. AirAsia recommends that passengers arrive at the airport up to three hours before their flight departure to fully enjoy the diverse shopping options and new top-tier facilities across over 225 shops and restaurants, and take the rare opportunity to experience the unique charm of KLIA2 early on.