New SITA report outlines airport IT priorities

SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, published today, reveals how airlines and airports are increasing investment in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT solutions.

Around 74% of airlines and 72% of airports forecast an increase in overall IT spend over the next two years. These investments, it notes, show how the aviation industry is working toward a future of safer, smoother, and more sustainable air travel.

In 2024, the industry’s overall IT spend increased and was estimated to reach $37 billion for airlines, and almost $9 billion for airports.

One clear area of focus for the industry is cybersecurity. The report reveals that 66% of airlines and 73% of airports mention it as one of their top three areas of focus. This, says SITA, confirms how important it’s becoming to protect critical systems and passenger data as cyber threats get more advanced.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, says: “This year’s findings highlight a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. As cyber threats become more complex, airlines and airports are taking decisive action to protect their operations and passengers.

“At the same time, biometrics and AI tech are simplifying the travel experience, helping the industry meet growing demand, and build resilience for the future. It’s clear that the air transport industry is going through a transformation, and these numbers prove it.”

From Safer Skies to Seamless Journeys


Biometric tech continues to transform passenger processing. Over half of airports plan to roll out biometrics for check-in and bag drop by 2026 and 70% of airlines expect to adopt biometric ID management systems in the same timeframe.

These solutions will reduce congestion by speeding up passenger processing by up to 30%, reduce wait times by up to 60%, and help make travel smooth and hassle-free.

At the same time, data-driven solutions are transforming how the industry operates. Airlines are using generative AI, large language models, and machine learning to improve flight operations, customer service, and fuel efficiency.

Airports are focusing on data platforms and predictive analytics to make real-time decisions and manage passenger flow more effectively. Interestingly, 90% of airlines have already adopted data platforms, and 42% are exploring ways to organize their data for AI projects.

Lavorel adds: “The air transport industry generates massive amounts of data, but a lot of it doesn’t get used or is only looked at on the surface.

“With AI and machine learning, we can dig deep into this data, meaning we can take large steps in improving key areas such as efficiency, sustainability, security and cost. It also improves the passenger experience. With AI and data analytics, the industry is shifting to a new era of travel tech.”

Smart IT to Meet Sustainability Targets



Sustainability is leading the way as the industry pushes toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Three quarters of airlines are using real time software for flight optimisation, weather risk assessment, and flight operations, and more than half of airlines use real time software to calculate carbon emissions.

On top of that, 62% of airlines are working with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) suppliers, a big leap forward in sustainability compared to last year. This is the area that has seen the biggest year-on-year growth.

Airports are also taking action, with 54% of them (compared to 29% in 2023) having already implemented energy management systems to track and reduce emissions.

“Sustainability is essential for the future of aviation. It’s a responsibility we must embrace to drive lasting change.” comments Lavorel.

“The adoption of tech like flight optimisation software and SAF systems shows real progress in reducing carbon footprints. By combining these efforts with advanced analytics, the industry is on track to hit its environmental goals.”

The SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report represents the views of over 250 senior airline and airport executives, covering a significant share of global passenger traffic.