With global IT spend in air transport soaring to an estimated $37 billion in 2024, aviation tech firm SITA noted that the race is on to modernise as soon as possible.
As infrastructure strains under rising passenger numbers, the focus is firmly on smarter systems, seamless journeys, and sustainable operations.
In light of this, company CEO David Lavorel presented the company’s financial results for 2024 at SITA’s recent annual general assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his report, Lavorel said: “With air traffic set to grow seven percent between 2025 and 2027, infrastructure will continue to be stretched. At the same time, travelers are expecting more convenience than ever, and regulatory pressure is rising. But the opportunities to do things better through transformation are huge. Our role is to deliver the travel tech the industry needs for new levels of efficiency in the flow of passengers, the movement of aircraft, and the fluidity of operations.”
Corporate performance in 2024
SITA’s 8.3 percent revenue growth to US$1.6 billion in 2024 was primarily driven by strong performance across its Airports, Borders, and Aircraft businesses, and all four of its geographies.
Strategic acquisitions and product innovations fueled this momentum, allowing customers to transform quickly and operate with greater agility.
The newly released SITA Group Impact Report 2024 shows how SITA is helping airports, airlines, and governments respond by delivering smart, data-driven technologies to keep passengers, baggage, and operations flowing smoothly and sustainably.
Ongoing transformation
SITA’s continued transformation as an organization has also played a critical role in powering this momentum.
In 2024, the company streamlined delivery, digitalized service models, and added new skills and competencies essential to the innovation the industry needs.
With AI, cloud, apps, digital ID, and real-time data, SITA has agile building blocks that help airports and airlines adapt quickly, operate efficiently, and deliver seamless journeys.
By strengthening its technology engine and investing in high-performance teams and tools, SITA is building the foundation to deliver the next generation of travel technology at scale.
Relevant acquisitions
A key milestone in the year was SITA’s acquisition of Materna IPS, expanding its ability to deliver fast, self-service passenger journeys through the industry’s most powerful passenger processing portfolio.
SITA also acquired ASISTIM, adding centralized airline operations control services, and launched SmartSea, bringing the company’s travel tech expertise into cruise and rail.
Its most recent acquisition is Italian airport design experts CCM, to create future-ready travel spaces, planning for optimum passenger flow and baggage handling in the early stages of airport and terminal design.
Sustainability in 2024
When it comes to sustainability, already more than 40 airlines use SITA OptiFlight, or other products contributing to reducing carbon emissions, collectively saving an estimated 308,000 tons of CO₂ in 2024, enough to fly a commercial aircraft around the world over 1,000 times.
Additionally, the great adoption of solutions like SITA Eco Mission, Total Optimizer, and eWAS supporting compliance, emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, and data-driven decision-making is a testament of an industry taking positive action on critical areas as such.
On SITA’s own efforts towards sustainable operations, a bold new sustainability strategy, centered on four key areas: reducing climate impact, supporting its people, improving business practices, and providing products that have a positive impact on the air transport industry's journey to net zero carbon by 2050.
As part of its strategy, the company has also committed to reducing its own emissions to net zero by 2050, cutting its carbon footprint by 4.2 percent every year.
Lavorel concluded by saying: “Our customers tell us they need flexibility, speed, and visibility: all while needing to do more with less. Transforming travel and transport means having the right travel tech to streamline journeys and operations while also reducing carbon emissions. That’s why we’re investing in AI, data, apps, cloud, and digital identities, and co-innovating with customers to build smarter, more sustainable journeys from end to end.”
