SITA, a global leader in air transport technology, is set to transform Indian airports by installing its cutting-edge Smart Path technology across nine airports in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The collaboration is part of India’s broader DigiYatra initiative, which aims to modernize the aviation industry by providing a seamless, paperless travel experience through advanced biometric solutions.
SITA’s technology, including Smart Path, Passenger Flow Management (PFM), and Face Pods, will enable a contactless, streamlined journey for passengers at airports in Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Raipur, Bagdogra, Patna, Goa (Dabolim), and Coimbatore. The system integrates biometric verification at key touchpoints, reducing wait times and improving airport efficiency.
The DigiYatra initiative, launched by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, was officially inaugurated at Visakhapatnam Airport with the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Murlidhar Mohol, and AAI Chairman Shri M. Suresh. This initiative aims to enhance the passenger experience while establishing a more efficient and digitalized airport infrastructure.
Sumesh Patel, President, APAC, SITA, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “India has a unique opportunity to revolutionize its airports with world-class infrastructure, making air travel more efficient and seamless. SITA is proud to support India’s digitalization efforts through the DigiYatra initiative.”
ALSO READ: LG DISPLAY TO SELL $1.54 BILLION STAKE IN CHINESE LCD PLANT TO TCL’S CSOT
In 2023 alone, over 20 million users experienced the benefits of DigiYatra, and the initiative is on track to reach 90% of India’s domestic flying population as it expands to 28 airports. DigiYatra also plans to align with IATA’s One ID initiative for global interoperability, further enhancing the travel experience for passengers worldwide.
This partnership with SITA marks a significant milestone in India’s aviation sector, with SITA’s Smart Path technology playing a central role in the country’s digital transformation. The 2023 agreement between SITA and AAI will impact over 2,700 passenger touchpoints across 43 airports, one of the largest technology deployments in Indian aviation history.
SITA’s involvement in India dates back to 1952, and the company remains a strong supporter of the “Make In India” initiative, expanding its India-based operations to align with national goals for technological advancement.