KDDI using Gemalto TSM in the world's first commercial NFC-based flight boarding service for Japan Airlines

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces it is providing its Allynis Trusted Service Management (TSM) solution to KDDI, one of the leading mobile network operators in Japan, for the deployment of the world's first commercial NFC airline boarding service. Gemalto has been delivering its UpTeq NFC high-end SIM to KDDI since March 2012. Launched in October 2012, the service will enable quicker and more convenient flight boarding for more than 37 million passengers who fly with Japan Airlines (JAL) each year.

The project aims to boost usage of mobile boarding by providing increased speed and convenience to end-users while reducing operational costs. Gemalto's TSM allows KDDI to securely download the JAL application into the SIM, enabling passengers to just tap their mobile phones when required to present their boarding passes. The NFC solution that KDDI has implemented can easily expand using Gemalto's TSM to include additional NFC services and applications such as contactless payments, loyalty programmes, transportation and couponing.

"Gemalto's TSM solution was a critical component in developing JAL's NFC boarding service," said Kenichi Bandou, Senior Manager, KDDI. "The level of security it provides ensures continued trust between JAL and our customers. Our touch-and-go mobile ticketing application allows passengers to complete their check-in conveniently and with minimum hassle."

"This service demonstrates the potential of NFC beyond mobile payments and the value that NFC ticketing applications can provide by enhancing passengers' flying experience," said Martin Foo, Vice-President of Mobile Financial Services Solutions at Gemalto Asia. "With NFC services leveraging global TSM standards, touch-and-go ticketing can soon be introduced for international flights as well for KDDI subscribers who are abroad with roaming schemes. Airlines can offer a compelling value-add to their passengers, increasing loyalty and reducing operational costs."