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The world’s airports are increasing their investment in information technology to approximately US$6 billion in 2013, according to the 2013 SITA/ACI/Airline Business Airport IT Trends Survey.
Despite economic challenges approximately 90 per cent of airports expect their IT spending to either increase or remain stable in 2014, with a key focus on improving the passenger experience.
According to the report, by 2016 approximately 95 per cent 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 per cent of airports will offer passenger services via social media by 2016, up from 56 per cent today. And within the same timeframe passengers can expect to see baggage self-service go mainstream, with more than 80 per cent of airports around the world providing bag tag printing and assisted bag drop.
The 10th annual IT survey reported passenger processing technology is now the top priority for airports globally. However, airports are also investing in technology to improve passenger services and information.
Francesco Violante, CEO of 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.”
The tenth edition of the SITA Airport IT Trends Survey is based on responses from participants representing more than 255 airports in all major regions of the world that together represent 54 per cent of global passenger traffic.
