Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Airlines and airports are actively implementing biometric identification technologies, data tools and solutions to reduce emissions, the latest Air Transport IT Insights report from SITA shows.

According to SITA’s latest Air Transport IT Insights 2023 report, airports and airlines increased investment in IT solutions to US$10.8 billion and US$34.5 billion respectively over the year. Two-thirds of airport and airline chief information officers (CIOs) surveyed expect growth to continue in 2024. Airports increased IT spending as a percentage of revenue in 2022 and 2023 amid rising travel demand, underscoring how important technology is becoming to the future of the airline industry.

The main priorities for investment in the aviation sector, according to CIOs, are the introduction of biometric passenger identification technologies, the effective use of data to optimize flight operations, as well as environmental solutions to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Airlines and airports have made significant progress in providing the best travel experience for travelers. In 2023, more than half of the companies surveyed implemented IT solutions to improve the efficiency of procedures related to passenger and baggage check-in, as well as boarding. The use of biometric traveler identification technologies is becoming an increasingly common way to reduce the burden on airports - 70% of airlines plan to implement biometrics by 2026, and 90% of airports are investing in large-scale programs and R&D in this area.

CIOs are working to help businesses manage passenger traffic more effectively by using innovative solutions to optimize operations. Companies are implementing solutions in the areas of business intelligence (the largest area of airline technology investment), artificial intelligence (AI) and data sharing, which, according to their management, will not only positively affect efficiency, but will also help protect organizations from disruptions and also simplify many processes and procedures for travelers and staff.

Nearly two-thirds of airports and airlines now collect and aggregate data. With the development of generative artificial intelligence, such organizations are increasingly turning their attention to solutions that use AI and machine learning to process massive amounts of information and generate ideas for development. The majority of respondents believe that businesses need to develop their data use practices to improve efficiency. Therefore, by 2026, 97% of airlines and 82% of airports plan to invest in AI.