SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, published today, reveals how airlines and airports are increasing investment in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT solutions.
This is how they intend to deal with rising passenger numbers and growing online threats. Over the next two years, 72 % of airports and 74 % of airlines anticipate a rise in overall IT spending. These opportunities demonstrate how the aircraft sector is pursuing a future where air travel is safer, smoother, and more environmentally friendly. In 2024, the industry’s overall IT spend increased and was estimated to reach$ 37bn for airlines, and almost$ 9bn for airports.  ,
One obvious area of focus for the market is cybersecurity. According to the report, 73 % of airports and 66 % of airlines name it as one of their top three areas of focus. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, this evidence confirms how crucial it is to safeguard sensitive methods and customer data. By upgrading their IT infrastructure, moving to the sky, and safeguarding data, about half of flights and three-quarters of airports are beginning their electric change. In addition, fingerprint and AI are making it the logical next step in terms of improving the customer experience and administrative efficiency.
David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, said:” This year’s studies show a pivotal time for the aviation industry. Airlines and airports are taking crucial steps to protect their operations and passengers as virtual threats become more sophisticated. At the same time, fingerprint and AI software are simplifying the travel knowledge, helping the market meet growing desire, and build endurance for the future. It’s clear that the air travel industry is going through a change, and these statistics prove it” . ,
From Safer Skies to Seamless Journeys
The use of biometric technology continues to enhance customer control. By 2020, more than half of terminals intend to implement biometric for baggage check-in and baggage-drop. Additionally, 50 % of flights anticipate adopting biometric ID management systems in the same time frame. These solutions will help ease travel by reducing wait times by up to 60 %, speed up passenger processing by up to 30 %, and help make travel smooth and hassle-free.  ,
At the same time, data-driven solutions are transforming how the business operates. Airlines are using conceptual AI, large vocabulary models, and machine learning to improve trip operations, customer support, and energy efficiency. To make accurate decisions in real-time and control customer flow more efficiently, airports are focusing on predictive analytics and data platforms. Ironically, 90 % of airlines have now adopted data systems, and 42 % are exploring ways to organize their information for AI jobs.  ,
Lavorel continued,” The air travel market generates enormous amounts of data, but a lot of it doesn’t get used or is only looked at on the floor. With AI and machine learning, we can dig deep into this information, interpretation we can take big steps in improving key areas such as efficiency, sustainability, security and cost. It even improves the customer experience. With AI and data analytics, the market is shifting to a new era of travel tech” . ,
Smart IT to Follow Sustainability Goals
As the business strives to have net-zero emissions by 2050, conservation is taking center stage. Three quarters of airlines are using real occasion applications for trip marketing, climate risk assessment, and flight operations, and more than half of airlines use real time software to calculate carbon emissions. On top of that, 62 % of airlines are working with Sustainable Aviation Fuel ( SAF ) suppliers, a big leap forward in sustainability compared to last year. This is the place that has seen the biggest year-on-year development.  ,
Airports are also taking action, with 54 % of them ( compared to 29 % in 2023 ) having already implemented energy management systems to track and reduce emissions. In previous reports, it was revealed that 81 % of airports planned to implement this tech by 2026 and they’re making steady progress. This is a part of a wider trend, with airports and airlines making strides and evolving quickly to adopt these technologies to produce operations green in day-to-day business, leading to cleaner operations, cost savings, and efficiencies, as well as paving the way to net zero.  ,
Ecology is crucial for the development of aircraft. It’s a obligation we must bear in mind in order to effect lasting change. said Lavorel. ” The implementation of technologies like SAF and flight marketing software demonstrates real headway in reducing carbon footprints. By combining these efforts with innovative analysis, the market is on trail to reach its climate goals” . ,
The emphasis on tech-driven options is set to shape the future of vacation as passenger numbers increase and environmental concerns rise.  ,
Over 250 senior airline and airport executives, who cover a sizable portion of the world’s passenger traffic, are represented in the SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report.
About SITA
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel. With around 2, 500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1, 000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18, 000 aircraft globally. SITA also offers technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance between safe borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45 % of the air transport community’s data exchange.
In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative ( SBTi ) approved SITA’s near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company’s climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing strategies to help the aviation sector achieve its carbon reduction goals, including improved fuel efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The business also introduced SmartSea to enable the maritime sector to benefit from the same cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA’s growth into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.
The industry is entirely owned by SITA and driven by its requirements. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
Image featured credited to SITA