News

The world's major airports will focus their IT investment on the areas of congestion and security over the coming years, according to a new survey.

Research carried out among the top 200 international airport operators found that, with 2.1bn passengers boarding planes last year and this number set to grow by 5% a year, security and overcrowding are considered to be the most pressing issues for the aviation industry.

Results of the survey, which was carried out by IT and communications company SITA, suggest that airports will embrace new technology in coming years, particularly in the areas of self-service and shared-use systems.

John Jarrell, SITA's senior vice-president for airport services, said that airports are investing in remote passenger check-in, fast bag drop-off, biometrics and other initiatives to reduce delays at security, check-in and baggage collection points.

'Passenger and baggage processing are the priorities for the overwhelming majority of respondents to this year's survey when it comes to IT investment and this is mainly driven by a desire to improve customer service,' he added.

'When many people think about 'congestion' at airports, they often refer to passengers standing in queues at the check-in counters or security checkpoints. These are problems that self-service technologies such as web check-in, kiosks, mobile solutions and other off-airport processing will continue to address.'

Mr Jarrell predicted 'vast improvements' in passenger processing in coming years as travellers become more comfortable with new technologies and innovations.

Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.

© Adfero Ltd