GENEVA – SITA, an air transport technology company based in Geneva, Switzerland, says its 2024 Passenger IT Insights report highlights changing passenger behavior, with many passengers adopting digital solutions such as mobile-enabled travel. The report found that travelers are increasingly using mobile devices to handle reservations, waiting times and baggage claim. Notably, 75% of those surveyed said they would be comfortable storing their passport on their phone with secure digital travel credentials and sharing them before traveling to expedite the process.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that air travel will see a sharper increase than expected in 2023. By 2040, global passenger numbers are expected to reach 8 billion, and a smoother, more efficient travel experience is essential to accommodate the growing passenger numbers.
The top concern for 64% of passengers is reducing wait times at the airport. While biometric technology has proven to streamline passenger processing, privacy concerns remain; nearly half of respondents expressed concerns about data security. Despite this, passengers rated their comfort with biometric systems at 6.7 out of 10, suggesting there is room for adoption if the industry can assure travelers of robust data protection.
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“Travel is now on the brink of a new era where growing demand and innovative technology are coming together. Passengers are ready to embrace digital innovation to make their journey faster and more efficient. It is the aviation industry’s responsibility to ensure passengers are informed of the advanced security measures in place to protect their data,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA.
Sustainability is also a priority for travelers, with many saying they’d be willing to pay an average of 11% more for a ticket to offset the carbon footprint of their flight. Additionally, more than half of passengers said they would consider slowing down their flight or taking lighter baggage to reduce their impact on the environment.
“Passengers have demonstrated their willingness to support the aviation industry’s move towards net zero,” Lavorel said. “Their openness to carbon offsetting and changing their travel habits is aligned with the efforts airlines and airports are making to reduce emissions through sustainable technology and operational changes.”
