SITA, a leading provider of air transportation technology, has started rolling out its Smart Path technology across nine airports in India. The move is part of the DigiYatra initiative, a digital transformation plan led by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to modernize air travel in the country. The primary objective is to introduce a contactless boarding pass system, increase passenger convenience and improve operational efficiency at Indian airports.

Contactless Biometric Solutions SITA’s Smart Path technology will revolutionize the passenger experience by integrating advanced biometric solutions across airport touchpoints. AAI will implement technologies such as Smart Path, Passenger Flow Management (PFM) and Face Pods, enabling travelers to have a seamless and contactless journey. This will allow passengers to navigate check-in, security and boarding with reduced wait times, improving the overall travel experience.

Under this new system, biometrics will be used to authenticate passengers at various stages of their journey, eliminating the need for physical boarding passes or repeated identity checks. By automating these processes, airports can manage passenger flows more efficiently, reduce congestion and optimise the use of resources.

Key Airports and DigiYatra Launch The deployment of this technology is a key part of AAI’s broader strategy to digitize India’s airport infrastructure. The DigiYatra initiative was formally launched at Visakhapatnam airport with key government figures in attendance, including Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and AAI Chairman M. Suresh.

In the initial phase, the DigiYatra system will be rolled out at airports in Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Raipur, Bagdogra, Patna, Goa (Dabolim) and Coimbatore. These airports will serve as testing grounds for the technology, with further expansion planned as part of AAI’s commitment to digital transformation.

Improving efficiency in Indian aviation The DigiYatra initiative is seen as a major step in improving operational efficiency in the Indian aviation sector. In 2023, over 20 million passengers used the DigiYatra platform, a number that is expected to grow significantly as the technology is deployed more widely. By the end of 2023, the initiative will be expanded to 28 airports across India, covering 90% of domestic passengers.

SITA’s solutions are designed to support this growth by delivering smoother and faster processing at key passenger touchpoints, helping airports manage increasing traffic and maintain high service standards. The integration of biometric verification and contactless technology will reduce manual processing, minimise human error and enhance the security of the passenger identification process.

SITA and AAI Partnership Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that the rollout of technology will not only enhance the passenger experience but also streamline airport operations. “India is experiencing rapid growth in air travel and modernizing airport infrastructure is critical to meet the increasing demand,” Patel said. “Our solutions are designed to support this modernization and help Indian airports efficiently handle the growing number of passengers.”

In July 2023, SITA entered into an agreement with AAI to provide technology solutions for 43 Indian airports. This includes enhancements at over 2,700 passenger touchpoints, making it one of the largest technology partnerships in the region for passenger processing systems. The deal is expected to play a significant role in helping Indian airports meet future demands as the country continues to develop into a global aviation hub.

Longstanding relationship with India SITA’s partnership with the Indian government dates back to 1952, during which the company played a crucial role in developing the country’s aviation infrastructure. The ongoing partnership between SITA and AAI aligns with India’s broader goals of modernizing its aviation sector under the “Make in India” initiative. The technology being introduced will not only serve domestic airports but also enhance India’s global competitiveness in aviation.

With the expansion of SITA’s DigiYatra initiative and Smart Path technology, India will become a leader in digitized and contactless air travel, enabling smoother and more efficient travel for millions of passengers every year.