Juniper Research has revealed that 1.5 billion boarding passes will be delivered via mobile devices by 2019.
This number represents a dramatic increase from around 745 million boarding passes that were delivered by mobile devices this year.
According to the research, the use of mobile boarding passes is being increasingly used by frequent flyers but less by leisure passengers, the research suggests that they are less likely to be familiar with the technology.
SITA, the airline IT specialist, revealed that 53% of airlines have already implemented mobile boarding passes via apps, this number is expected to rise to 91% by 2017.
The research, "Mobile & Online Ticketing: Transport, Events & NFC 2015-2019" found that most airlines have implemented boarding passes via apps. Rapid adoption is being see particularly in the US, Far East and Europe.
Despite the positive growth that has been seen, the success of mobile boarding pass adoption has meant that the transition to NFC will be delayed.
Noted research author, Nitin Bhas, said: "The ultimate position that NFC can reach in the airline industry is ‘the extinction of the boarding pass’ whereby boarding pass, baggage tickets and identity information can be stored on the phone and simply accessed using NFC readers.
"However, this transition will not only be delayed by the success of barcode but there is the need to gain agreement and investment from airlines and airports around the world."
Other findings from the report found that the metro/bus sectors will dominate ticketing transaction volumes and NFC ticketing in these sectors is likely to gain traction in the medium term as gating infrastructure is upgraded.
