Abu Dhabi and Cambodia success for SITA

The final few months of 2025 were good ones for SITA, which signed a Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Airports to develop an Intelligent Total Management (iTAM) platform and saw its technology play a key role in the successful opening and operation of Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport.

With global passenger numbers rising and major hubs under pressure to deliver more predictable, efficient, and passenger centric operations, airports worldwide are stepping up efforts to integrate data and co-ordinate decisions in real-time.

Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA) is taking a major step in this direction by exploring the development of an AI driven, iTAM platform with SITA that brings real-time data, insights, and operational decisions together across the entire airport ecosystem.

Under the MoU, both organisations will explore a shared operational data platform that integrates information from airlines, ground handlers, ATC, government agencies, and airport systems.

SITA notes that using advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous workflows will help airports anticipate disruptions, optimise resources, and enhance safety, efficiency, and on-time performance.

The iTAM will also serve as a scalable foundation for end-to-end AI-driven airport management and continuous improvement.

Andrew Murphy, chief information officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “This collaboration with SITA advances Abu Dhabi’s vision to be at the forefront of global innovation and digital transformation.

“By enabling Zayed International Airport to become one of the world’s first truly connected digital airports, and by powering this with iTAM at the core, we are creating a unified operational source of truth that accelerates growth and sets a new global benchmark for smart, seamless journeys.”

Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the SITA technology installed in the newly opened Techo International Airport means that for the first time in the country travellers can enjoy a fully digital airport experience from check-in to boarding.

Initially equipped to handle 13 million passengers yearly, the replacement for the now closed Phnom Penh International Airport is equipped with SITA’s self-service kiosks, automated bag drops, and eGates.

Behind the scenes, SITA’s Airport Management System and Airport Vision keep operations running smoothly by giving airport teams real-time insights they can act on.

These intelligent platforms, notes SITA, help streamline workflows, anticipate disruptions, and enable faster, data-driven decisions to keep flights on schedule and passengers informed

“Southeast Asia’s aviation market is growing at record pace, but that growth brings complexity,” said Sumesh Patel, SITA’s president for Asia-Pacific.

“Techo International Airport shows how technology can turn that challenge into opportunity. By adopting scalable, data-driven systems from day one, the Cambodia Airport Investment Co Ltd has created an airport that can grow sustainably and be resilient in the face of disruption while delivering a world-class experience for every traveller.”

Some 29 airlines are connected through SITA’s Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) platform, ensuring seamless collaboration between airlines, ground handlers, and airport operations.

The integrated set-up also includes Local Departure Control System (LDCS), Pax Check, Pax Locate, and SITATEX messaging – all designed to connect airport stakeholders reliably and securely.