An innovative approach to simplifying the passenger experience, Qantas launched a trial of a digital arrival formreplacing the traditional paper documents. This new system, designed in collaboration with the Australian border authorities, allows passengers to complete their declaration online before arriving in Australia. The aim of this initiative is not only to modernise the process, but also to improve the efficiency and security of border controls.
The airline Qantasin collaboration with the Australian Border Authority, is currently trialling a new digital arrival declaration system that promises to simplify the experience of travellers arriving in Australia. The initiative aims to replace the often tedious and stressful paper forms with a digital process, accessible directly via a smartphone.
A long-awaited innovation for travellers
Imagine yourself on board a flight from Auckland to Brisbane. Instead of searching for a pen and juggling a paper form during the flight, you can fill in your arrival declaration directly on your phone. This dream is becoming a reality thanks to a trial set up by Qantas. The system will allow passengers to fill in their forms online up to 72 hours before landing, making it easier for them to clear customs.
The first benefits observed
The first users of this innovation had the opportunity to test this new system during the flight QF126. On arrival in Brisbane, they were able to experience the benefits of fast passage through border control simply by presenting a QR code on their smartphone. According to passenger feedback, the waiting time for processing through customs was no more than two minutes, making the experience much more pleasant and less stressful.
It was quick, maybe a minute or two. I did it on the way to the airport.
Kathleen Gaffney, passenger
Questions of national security and efficiency
In addition to the practical aspects and the comfort of travellers, this digital initiative also has major repercussions for national security. Mike OutramCommissioner of the Australian Border Force, points out that relying on a paper form in a modern world poses considerable challenges. In times of crisis, as the COVID-19 pandemic proved, the time taken to process paper documents can be costly in terms of time and security.
Health authorities often needed to trace potential cases quickly, but the process of digitising forms could take up to three days. This new system aims to overcome these shortcomings and make the process smoother and more responsive.
Environmental impact and waste reduction
Every year, more than 20 million forms are printed to welcome visitors to Australia. By incorporating a digital form, this mountain of paper could become a thing of the past, helping to reduce waste. Switching to this digital system would also be good for the environment, an increasingly pressing concern in today's world.
A history of failure
This is not the first time Australia has tried to modernise its arrival process. Two previous attempts have failed, the last of which cost around 60 million Australian dollars. However, these disappointing experiences have not discouraged the authorities, who hope that this new method, based on the existing Qantas infrastructure, will finally be the right one.
A promising future for the digital arrival system
If the trial proves successful, the system could quickly be extended to other routes, including flights from Wellington. The ambitions are high, particularly in the run-up to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032. Gert-Jan de GraaffBrisbane Airport's CEO hopes that this initiative will prove effective for all passengers, enabling wider deployment in the future.
A legacy to leave behind
Whereas Mike Outram is preparing to leave office, it seems that this project is his greatest legacy to Australia. He expressed his excitement at the imminent end of paper forms, heralding a promising digital future for passenger arrivals. The system heralds a whole new era for Australia, where seamless border crossings could finally meet the expectations of today's travellers.
Comparison between the traditional system and the new digital system
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Traditional paper form |
| Filling time | Variable, often long and stressful |
| Pre-filling | No, to be completed at the airport |
| Digitisation of data | Manual treatment, can take up to 3 days |
| Ecology | Printing of over 20 million pieces of paper per year |
| Flexibility | No changes possible after submission |
| Access | On-site filling only |
| Tender options | Single form, no digital options |
| Digital system | Online registration possible up to 72 hours in advance |
| Environmental impact | Support for reducing paper consumption |
An agency service 