Tuesday, July 03, 2007

2D barcode technology being tested in Montreal


Last week, a select group of passengers began testing the utilization of 2D barcodes on their mobile devices (cellular phone, Blackberry, Personal Digital Assistant, etc.).

Passengers involved in the pilot test first check in without baggage on mobile.aircanada.com. This generates a 2D barcode – in fact an e-boarding pass – which is sent directly to their mobile device.

They then use this e-boarding pass to cross screening check points and to board the aircraft. 2D barcodes can be found on all Web itinerary receipts and on the paper boarding passes issued by an agent, at a kiosk or through Web check-in.

This new technology will expedite processes for our customers at the airport, where they will be able to cross multiple touch points using a single document, thus simplifying their travel experience.

Air Canada is conducting the six-week testing period in partnership with Lipso, UQAM’s École de Technologie Supérieure and Aéroports de Montréal.