SITA has released its 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, looking into how airlines and airports are battling digital threats with investments into cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT solutions.
The report has shown a 74 per cent increase for airlines and a 72 per cent increase for airports in IT investment over the next two years, with 2024’s total IT spend reaching around USD 37 billion for airlines and nearly USD 9 billion for airports.
As overall trends, AI and video analytics are on the up, concerns surrounding data privacy when using biometrics remain, and European airports are at the forefront of sustainability initiatives with 61 per cent considering environmental factors in IT equipment selection and 71 per cent implementing IT life cycle management policies.
“This year’s findings highlight a pivotal moment for the aviation industry,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “As cyber threats become more complex, airlines and airports are taking decisive action to protect their operations and passengers. At the same time, biometrics and AI tech are simplifying the travel experience, helping the industry meet growing demand, and build resilience for the future. It’s clear that the air transport industry is going through a transformation, and these numbers prove it.”
Cybersecurity
Analysis also reveals that cybersecurity is significantly growing in importance, with 66 per cent of airlines and 73 per cent of airports highlighting it as one of their top three focus areas. Europe is particularly pushing cybersecurity, with 81 per cent of airlines and airports in the region placing it as one of their main concerns. Alongside this, Europe is the leader in implementing Security Operations Centres (SOC) and the top three cybersecurity technologies, however challenges have been noticed surrounding the integration of these technologies with legacy systems.
Data
Airports are still pushing biometrics for operational efficiency, with over half hoping to launch biometric check-in and bag drop by 2026 and 70 per cent of airlines hoping to adopt biometric ID management systems within the same timeline.
Alongside this, data-driven solutions are being adopted continuously, such as generative AI, large language models, and machine learning for improvements across customer service, flight operations, and customer service. Specifically, airports are using data platforms and predictive analytics to make decisions and manage passenger flow, with 90 per cent of airlines already have adopted data platforms.
“The air transport industry generates massive amounts of data, but a lot of it doesn’t get used or is only looked at on the surface,” added Lavorel. “With AI and machine learning, we can dig deep into this data, meaning we can take large steps in improving key areas such as efficiency, sustainability, security and cost. It also improves the passenger experience. With AI and data analytics, the industry is shifting to a new era of travel tech.”
Sustainability
With net-zero goals in place for the coming decades, sustainability is of the utmost importance for airports and airlines now. 62 per cent of airlines are collaborating with SAF suppliers, and 54 per cent of airports are using energy management systems to track emissions.
“Sustainability is essential for the future of aviation. It’s a responsibility we must embrace to drive lasting change,” continued Lavorel. “The adoption of tech like flight optimisation software and SAF systems shows real progress in reducing carbon footprints. By combining these efforts with advanced analytics, the industry is on track to hit its environmental goals”
Photo: SITA
