Investment on new technologies to improve aviation operations and services of airlines and airports to benefit flyers is growing in leaps and bounds, with a survey estimating that airports worldwide would spend a whopping USD six billion this calender year.
Despite economic challenges in some regions, the survey shows that airports are confident about the future and approximately 90 per cent of them expect their IT spending to either increase or remain stable in 2014, with a key focus on improving the passenger experience.
The world's airports are increasing their investment in information technology to about USD six billion in 2013, according to the latest 2013 Airport IT Trends Survey said.
The survey estimated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 per cent in IT investment over the past three years, which outpaced airports' 2.83 per cent CAGR in revenue.
Passenger processing technology was the top priority for airports globally, but airports were also investing in technology to improve passenger services and information.
The survey estimated that by 2016, almost 95 per cent of airports would plan to invest in mobile apps to provide status information on flights and the airport, and to help passengers navigate through the airport.
In addition, 75 per cent of them would offer passenger services via social media by 2016, up from 56 per cent now.
By 2016, passengers could expect to see baggage self- service go mainstream, with more than 80 per cent of airports around the world providing bag tag printing and assisted bag drop, the survey jointly conducted by aviation IT solution provider SITA, the Airports Council International and Airline Business magazine, said.
SITA CEO Francesco Violante said, "Our survey this year clearly shows that passengers are at the heart of this investment. As passenger traffic grows and airports aim to improve the passenger experience, technology is providing essential solutions, despite fluctuations in airport revenues.
