SITA, a leading global provider of air transport technology, is set to revolutionize the travel experience at nine Indian airports through its innovative Smart Path technology. This strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) marks a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector and is a key component of the wider DigiYatra initiative.
The partnership aims to enhance the passenger experience by implementing SITA’s cutting-edge contactless boarding pass system, leading to shorter wait times and smoother travel. To achieve this, AAI will leverage SITA’s advanced suite of technologies, including the SITA Smart Path, Passenger Flow Management (PFM) solution, and Face Pods. These technologies provide biometric solutions at various airport touchpoints, ensuring a seamless and contactless journey for travelers across the nine participating airports.
This initiative is perfectly aligned with AAI’s goal of digitizing Indian airports, driven by the DigiYatra initiative, spearheaded by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. DigiYatra envisions a paperless airport experience powered by advanced facial recognition technology, transforming the way passengers navigate airports and manage their journeys efficiently. The launch of DigiYatra at Visakhapatnam Airport was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Rammohan Naidu, along with other esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, and Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, Shri M. Suresh.
The nine airports included in the initial rollout of SITA technology are Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Raipur, Bagdogra, Patna, Goa (Dabolim), and Coimbatore. SITA’s biometric technology will redefine the passenger experience by enabling a more efficient and streamlined journey through Indian airports.
Sumesh Patel, President, APAC, SITA, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “With a focus on delivering Digital Travel, improving airport efficiency, and future-proofing operations with smart, agile solutions, India has a unique opportunity to revolutionize its airports with truly world-class infrastructure. It is vital in this connected era that travel across the globe is as seamless as possible, and we are ready to help India continue to innovate in their digitalization efforts with SITA technology as the DigiYatra initiative spreads across India.”
The Indian government views DigiYatra as a game-changer, not only for the aviation sector but also for society. Through its partnership with SITA, the initiative aims to establish new benchmarks in passenger experience and airport operational efficiency across the nation. The program’s impact is already evident, with over 20 million passengers utilizing DigiYatra in 2023. With plans to expand to 28 additional Indian airports, the program aims to serve approximately 90% of the country’s domestic travelers. Furthermore, the DigiYatra Foundation is actively working to align with IATA’s One ID initiative to ensure global interoperability, further enhancing the seamless travel experience for passengers.
SITA’s commitment to India extends beyond this specific partnership. In July 2023, SITA secured a major agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide technology solutions to 43 major airports across India. This substantial deal will enhance over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, making it one of the largest-scale implementations of passenger processing technology worldwide. SITA’s collaboration with the Indian government dates back to 1952, and the company remains dedicated to supporting the “Make in India” initiative, expanding its India-based resources to contribute to the country’s local growth and innovation vision.
