Despite economic challenges in some regions, the 2013 Business Airport IT Trends survey by SITA shows that airports are confident about the future and airports are increasing their investment in information technology to approximately US$6 billion in 2013. Approximately 90% of airports expect their IT spending to either increase or remain stable in 2014, with a key focus on improving the passenger experience. This follows a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% in IT investment over the past three years, which outpaced airports’ 2.83% CAGR in revenue.
The 10th annual SITA survey, produced in association with Airports Council International (ACI) and Airline Business, has reported that passenger processing technology is the top priority for airports globally.
Francesco Violante, Chief Executive Officer, SITA, said, Airports continue to invest in information technology to improve their operations and services. Our survey this year clearly shows that passengers are at the heart of this investment. As passenger traffic grows and airports aim to improve the passenger experience, technology is providing essential solutions, despite fluctuations in airport revenues.
By 2016, approximately 95% of airports plan to invest in mobile apps to provide status information on flights and the airport, and to help passengers navigate through the airport. In addition, 75% of airports will offer passenger services via social media by 2016, up from 56% today. And by 2016, passengers can expect to see baggage self-service go mainstream, with more than 80% of airports around the world providing bag tag printing and assisted bag drop.
The survey also highlighted the growing importance of business intelligence (BI) which transforms data into useful and actionable information.
Image Gallery
