Airports and airlines spent an estimated $45.3bn on IT in 2023, according to SITA's 2023 Air Transport IT insights report. Airports spent an approximate $10.8bn and airlines around $34.5bn in 2023.
The report found that over two-thirds of airport and airline chief information officers are expecting this figure to continue to grow throughout 2024. Particularly, biometric technology for passenger journeys as well as data leveraging to determine efficiencies and green solutions are expected to be a key area of IT investment for the aviation industry. Biometrics have helped play a role in curbing congestion, with around 90% of airports investing in major programs or research and development in the technology. 70% of airlines are also expected to incorporate biometrics by 2026.
SITA CEO David Lavorel said: ""Airlines and airports have learned from the congestion and disruptions seen in the past two years. Advanced data sharing and analytics tools will allow them to unite stakeholders and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and leaner operations"".
Around 73% of airlines are investing in business intelligence IT solutions, which is expected to be the biggest area of technological investment for airlines in the next three years. Artificial intelligence and data sharing will also be further instated into operations by airports and airlines to boost efficiency.
""Solutions like total airport management and BI [business intelligence] for passenger processing provide airports and airlines real-time insight into the management of assets and passenger flow, allowing for agile, collaborative responses to any disruptions,"" said Lavorel.
Further investment in IT solutions to improve emissions reductions is also expected, with over 90% of airlines planning to incorporate IT systems to streamline flight operations and aircraft turnaround by 2026.
Airlines and airports spent $45.3bn on IT in 2023
