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As air travel demand continues to grow, projected to reach 8 billion passengers by 2040, the aviation industry faces immense pressure to innovate and expand its technology offerings to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. SITA’s 2024 Passenger IT Insights report highlights several key trends shaping this future, with a focus on digital travel credentials, biometric systems, and sustainable travel preferences.
A new solution transforming the passenger experience, DTCs allow travelers to store personal identification, like passports, in a mobile wallet, offering a streamlined way to manage identity verification. SITA’s study found that a strong majority (75%) of travelers are comfortable with digital credentials on their phones, and 85% consider DTCs beneficial, with younger, frequent flyers being the most enthusiastic adopters. This digital shift has the potential to enhance security, optimize processing times, and open new revenue streams for travel providers.
Long lines and wait times remain major frustrations for passengers. Biometrics, such as facial recognition, promise to cut down processing times by reducing physical checks and moving parts of the journey off-site. With staffing shortages and the need to maximize airport capacity, expanding biometric usage could significantly improve both security and passenger flow.
Despite economic pressures, passengers show a strong willingness to contribute to sustainable travel. According to the report, 64% would pay a 10% premium to offset carbon emissions, and 81% are willing to travel with lighter luggage for lower emissions. Younger and female passengers lead in their commitment to sustainability, showing a willingness to make behavioral changes to reduce their carbon footprints.
Travelers are looking for easier connections between transportation modes. Intermodal travel, which allows booking a seamless trip across various transport options (air, rail, and bus), is in high demand. SITA found that 65% of passengers plan to book an intermodal journey in the coming year, indicating a growing preference for integrated travel solutions.
In sum, SITA's insights reveal a clear trajectory: passengers are increasingly embracing digital and mobile solutions for efficiency and sustainability in travel. As these technologies gain wider acceptance, they are set to transform the air travel experience, promising a more secure, convenient, and eco-friendly future for passengers worldwide (SITA, 2024).