SITA Smart Path PoC at Istanbul Airport (IGA) shortens lines, enables a low touch passenger experience, and boosts operational efficiency
Istanbul: SITA, the technology provider for the air transport industry today announced the results of its biometric-enabled Proof of Concept (PoC) designed to support a low-touch passenger experience and optimize passenger processing at Istanbul Airport (IGA).
The six-month trial showed a 30% reduction in boarding times and increased satisfaction of participating passengers and airlines, as well as reducing risks associated with COVID-19 thanks to the low-touch passenger journey.
The intuitive biometric solution allowed airline agents to easily enrol passengers on the existing SITA Flex common-use check-in counters. Once enrolled, passengers were able to simply scan their face at every step of the way, from security check, lounge access, and boarding, without having to touch any surfaces.
The PoC conducted with Turkish Airlines involved the use of sophisticated biometric technology across multiple touchpoints. These included a common use terminal (CUTE) for Smart Path enrolment, an iValidate gate verification point where passengers gain access to the gates, IGA lounge access verification, and boarding gate verification.
Hani El-Assaad, President, Middle East, India & Africa (MEIA), SITA said: “SITA is considered as the technology partner of IGA in terms of airport systems and operations with solutions implemented throughout the airport. This latest PoC harnesses existing SITA technology infrastructure including SITA Smart Path and SITA Flex to further optimize passenger processing at a time when safety and efficiency are in sharp focus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Safety and operational efficiency have become critical factors for airports and airlines to emerge from the pandemic according to the latest SITA IT Insights report. As passengers return to the skies, new health-focused processes such as PCR test verification present operational challenges to reduce congestion at airports.
Ersin Inankul Chief Digital & Commercial Officer, iGA added: “Despite the challenging economic environment we are confident that smart technology implementations are crucial to boost passenger confidence and increase the airport’s efficiency. Istanbul Airport is a technology-driven airport and we’re proud to be leading the way in terms of low touch smart systems that can help keep passengers safe while reducing operational burdens on the airport.”
About SITA:
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 60 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 60% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
