Air transport IT and communications provider flying high
More than 100 of the world’s airlines and airports gathered in Belgium recently as SITA, the air transport IT provider, celebrated its 70th anniversary.
At the company’s Annual General Assembly, SITA’s CEO, Barbara Dalibard outlined its path of growth noting how SITA has remained a vital part of the industry over the past seven decades. Along with the highest ever revenues, 2018 also marked a turning point for the company as its application-led business overtook its connectivity business.
“We had a very successful 2018 with record revenues of US$1.7 billion and for the first time in our 70-year history, our application business now represents more than 50% of our revenues,” said Barbara Dalibard, CEO, SITA.
In 1949, 11 founding airlines joined together to establish the communications infrastructure which remains at the heart of this interconnected global industry. Today, nearly every passenger flight relies on SITA technology. In total, 95% of all international destinations and over 13,500 industry sites are connected by SITA’s network.
Over the decades, SITA has delivered many innovations including; the first common-use infrastructure at airports, the first airline e-commerce booking engine and the first e-visa system for border management.
During the General Assembly, SITA also hosted its annual Innovation Forum, an exclusive event to investigate how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, biometrics and blockchain could be harnessed to deliver more efficient operations and a seamless passenger journey.
SITA has more than 400 members including airlines, airports, airport-based organizations, and air traffic management providers and is one of the most internationally diverse companies, serving more than 200 countries and territories.
