SITA maps out future of airport tech
Aviation tech firm SITA has published its latest 20-year air passenger forecast, predicting more than half of the world’s air passenger growth will be from Asia Pacific.
It says there will be 2.1 billion additional passengers in 2036, which is more than double current traffic.
SITA last week unveiled tech innovations it says airlines and airports need to manage this growth.
SITA sees a future of biometrics, artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and robotics as the means to efficiently handle passenger flows in airports across the region.
"We know that passengers prefer to use technology when they travel. For example, it has been proven that automated identity checks at passport control and boarding increase passenger satisfaction. In particular, biometrics offers the opportunity for a secure and seamless experience," said Sumesh Patel, SITA President, Asia Pacific.
Airlines and airports can be confident that the majority of passengers will welcome its introduction. In fact, 57% said they would definitely use biometrics for their next trip."
"Passenger growth in this region is driving the adoption of smart technology solutions. SITA is working with our airline and airport partners to incorporate biometrics and artificial intelligence into today’s operations and passenger services. Looking ahead we are investigating how other technologies like robotics and mixed reality can also support and manage future growth."
Patel presented details on these and future new innovations at the FTE Asia EXPO trade show, and introduced delegates to SITA’s airport robots KATE and Leo, which autonomously check-in passengers and their baggage.
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