A report released by SITA has found that technology is critical in the role of enhancing passenger experiences and managing the anticipated surge in air travel demand.
The Passenger IT Insights report found that 90% of passengers utilise technology for booking and rely on mobile devices for dwell time and on-board activities. In addition, three in four passengers are comfortable storing their passport on their phone and sharing digital identity and biometrics in advance of travel.
“We are on the cusp of a new era in travel, as unprecedented demand converges with technological innovations that have the power to revolutionize the journey,” said David Lavorel, SITA CEO.
He continued: “The appetite from passengers is clear: they’re eager to embrace the latest digital solutions to make their experience swifter and more streamlined than ever before. The responsibility falls to the industry to ensure travellers are fully informed of the advanced data security and privacy-preserving potential of biometrics.”
The report also highlighted the importance of sustainability to travellers, with some willing to pay an average of 11% on top of their ticket cost to offset their flight’s carbon emissions. More than half are also open to taking longer flights at slower speed or carrying lighter baggage to reduce their carbon footprint.
Lavorel added further: “Their openness to carbon offsetting and changing behaviours around baggage will supplement airlines’ and airports’ commitment to reducing emissions through measures like sustainable technology and changes to operations and infrastructure.”