Innovation for aviation
Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques (SITA) is the aviation industry’s IT partner, founded in Europe in 1949 to build international cooperation in the air travel technology sector.
Airport industry collaboration
In 2024, SITA acquired Intelligent Passenger Solutions (IPS), an innovator in passenger handling. IPS delivers automated integrated passenger services for airports and airlines. This partnership created the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel to handle the increasing demand within the industry. Constant innovation makes SITA the global leader in air travel technology. By acquiring IPS, SITA will reshape air travel. The move also strengthens SITA’s leadership in passenger processing as part of a fast-growth strategy for the years ahead.
Now operating under the name ‘IPS a SITA Company’, it offers an enhanced portfolio of hardware and software solutions, including check-in and baggage drop-off and access systems, all integrated with the latest technologies.
SITA also acquired ASISTIM. This innovation lets SITA offer a fully-fledged flight Operations Control Centre as a managed service.
Baggage drop-off systems for airports
IPS Self Bag Drop solutions are renowned for their flexibility and ability to deliver operational efficiency. They can help save up to 90% in process costs and save approximately 50% more space. Self bag drop solutions also result in time savings of up to 80%, helping to reduce queues and improve overall efficiency. The baggage drop-off systems include the latest technologies, such as RFID and biometrics, allowing airports and airlines to perform better with fewer resources.
As passenger numbers increase and baggage volumes grow, it is important that the airport industry develops future-proof methods of baggage handling. IPS Self Bag Drop enables airports to meet new standards, such as IATA Resolution 753.
Adapting quickly to market need, IPS a SITA company also provides service and maintenance for its solutions. Customers benefit from responsive, tailored support through international branches in the USA, Canada, India, and the UK. The integration enhances SITA’s ability to streamline passenger journeys and drive innovation, meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
Airport data networks
In the late 1950s, SITA developed the world’s largest data network, connecting 75 communication centres, supporting 52 airline members. Today, SITA’s network spans over 220 countries and territories, covering more than 750 international destinations.
Connecting approximately 600 airports, SITA handles almost half of the data exchanges in the global air transport community. As one of world’s most comprehensive networks, SITA is the ideal partner for airlines expanding into new regions.
In the mid-1960s, SITA launched the world’s first operational network using packet switching. The company also activated the world’s first nodal distributed network in 1969, which was a significant contribution to the development of the internet.
Electronic systems for airports
In the 1980s, SITA developed Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) to support the Los Angeles Olympics. This innovation increased the number of airlines that every airport could handle, enhancing the industry’s efficiency.
For the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, SITA developed the E-Vista, which was the first electronic visa system. The system helped to streamline visa applications, improving organsation, innovation, and sustainability.
The E-Visa contributed to the creation of the Smart Path. Launched in 2017, SITA’s biometrics technology creates seamless passenger journeys. The Smart Path allows passengers to benefit from touchless travel at airports such as Peking (PEK), Bangkok (BKK), Frankfurt (FRA), and Newark (EWR).
Digital travel credentials
SITA also pioneered digital travel credentials (DTC). Working with the Government of Aruba and technology partner Indicio, this initiative gave travellers a secure mobile version of their physical passport.
Following privacy-by-design principles and adhering to ICAO standards, SITA’s work on DTC gives passengers complete control over their data. Passengers can use their mobile phones for immigration by sharing selected data from their digital identity with government authorities, or even hotel or car rental companies. DTC allows users’ identities to be automatically and repeatedly verified, reducing the risk of fraud.
Airport industry forecasting
SITA forecasts for the airport industry. The SITA Passenger Insights Report and SITA Baggage Insights Report are significant within the industry and are reported on by global news organisations.
SITA helps to set industry standards, providing thought leadership on topics including biometrics and the future of airports.
Urban air mobility for airports
The company also invests in forward-facing ideas, such as ‘flying taxis’, also known as urban air mobility (UAM) for airports.
SITA partnered with Volocopter, a leading UAM manufacturer, to develop a simple, seamless passenger experience, similar to hailing an Uber. SITA provided vital elements for the mobile experience. Users book a Volocopter using their mobile then simply step up to the camera to be identified via biometric touchpoint. This is similar to the system that SITA deployed in Frankfurt airport.
About SITA
SITA is literally a ‘society’ owned by over 400 members, including airlines, airports, and other stakeholders. As a result, SITA is 100% owned by industry partners. Focused exclusively on the needs of airports and airlines, and the idea of ‘seamless travel’, the society provides services in over 200 countries and territories.
With approximately 2,500 customers, SITA solutions help over 1,000 airports operate efficiently. SITA’s communications network connects the globe, linking to over 18,000 aircraft. More than 70 governments rely on SITA technology, with the goal of secure borders combined with the economic benefits of seamless travel.
In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s emission reduction targets. SITA also helps the industry meet carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies.
With a history of innovation spanning almost eight decades, SITA is proud to partner with airports and airlines across the globe to make seamless travel a reality.