Heightened regional tensions have made security the top priority for 50% of the 225 airports analysed globally for the 2016 Airport IT Trends Survey. The survey showed that the proportion was only 37% last year. Investment in passenger processing has dropped from 73% to 59% this year, according to the survey sponsored by SITA and Airports Council International (ACI). The survey, which also analysed Indian airports such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, found that check-ins across the world became a lot more easier last year compared to the previous two years.
The survey also found that self-service and mobile dominate the airport landscape. It was also observed that the majority of airports worldwide provide self-service check-in for both passengers and bags. “Self-service will continue to dominate with two-thirds of airports planning major IT investments in this area,” the study noted.
On the growing influence of mobile, the survey found that nearly every airport worldwide (90%) was undertaking either a major programme or a trial project related to mobile services. Besides, 74% of the airports were either trialling or piloting context-aware and location-based technology in the next five years.
SITA vice president for Airport Solutions Matthys Serfontein said: “The technology trends at airports reflect the changing world. Investments to support passenger and airport security are up while the increasing demands of the connected traveller for self-service and mobile services are also being met.” Another clear trend seen is to provide hybrid public Wi-Fi services that combine the convenience of limited free Wi-Fi with commercial offerings.
Published 27 September 2016, 19:34 IST