In a game changing move that is set to create the world’s most powerful portfolio for airports and digital travel, technology services provider SITA has announced that subject to regulatory approval it is acquiring Materna IPS – a provider of passenger handling solutions for airports and airlines, including self-bag drop and check-in services.
With air traffic set to double by 2040, the move brings to life SITA’s vision to reinvent travel and transport, boosting the company”s fast growth strategy for the years ahead.
The acquisition will offer the industry a unique opportunity to transform airports from simple transit hubs to digital, personalised experiences for travellers across the world. Materna’s portfolio allows airports to process more passengers and optimise resources to give travellers a more seamless experience. Currently a market leader in the self-bag drop sector, and offering best-in-class solutions for all passenger touchpoints from check-into baggage claim and boarding, its customer base spans North America, India, Europe and Japan.
As airports look to the future, their digital transformation and increasing demand for self-service solutions, the pairing of the two companies will see SITA become a leader in terms of end-to-end airport solutions.
“This is an exciting new era of travel!” said David Lavorel, SITA CEO. “SITA’s biggest acquisition ever is about to change the landscape of the whole aviation industry. By combining our solutions and expertise we’ll take the passenger journey and the operations around it to a dimension of efficiency never seen before. Airports and airlines will get the most innovative passenger handling solutions available. Passengers all over the world can look forward to a new horizon in smooth, seamless and contactless travel.”
He also noted that SITA is on a powerful transformation path, as he added: “This acquisition fits perfectly with our growth strategy. We wanted to take a bold step towards transforming the future of travel and we’ve done it.”
