Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2023, air travel volumes soared, surpassing industry expectations. According to IATA forecasts, global demand for air travel is expected to continue growing, with traffic projected to reach 8 billion passengers by 2040. To meet this challenge, the air transport industry must ensure smooth and efficient operations across all processes.

In the second quarter of this year, SITA, a global leader in IT solutions for air transport, surveyed over 7,000 passengers across 25 countries in North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The findings were reflected in the SITA Passenger IT Insights 2024 report, which highlights the importance passengers place on technology and their positive attitude toward innovations, particularly the digitalization of travel through mobile devices.

Passengers increasingly use mobile devices as a remote control for their travel experience, especially during key stages such as booking, waiting for flights, and retrieving baggage. For instance, in 2019, only 8% of passengers booked flights through airline apps, whereas this figure has risen to nearly 20% in recent years. When considering all online bookings, the use of modern technology has become nearly ubiquitous, reaching 90%.

The study also explored passenger opinions on digital identification. Three out of four respondents (75%) reported feeling comfortable storing their passports on their phones as secure digital IDs and sharing them in advance to expedite formalities. Notably, over half (54%) view this technology as not just useful, but "very useful," with interest peaking among respondents aged 18 to 44 (over 90%), indicating the critical role digital IDs will play in future travel.

Moreover, 64% of passengers expressed a preference for reduced queues at airports, identifying this as a significant aspect of travel they wish to improve. Queues were noted as the second most detrimental issue affecting overall travel satisfaction, following flight delays and cancellations.

The broader use of biometrics could be key in addressing these challenges. Biometrics can transfer part of the passenger data processing outside the airport, allowing airlines and airports to reallocate staff to busier areas and streamline passenger processing upon arrival.

Despite the proven benefits of biometrics in speeding up data processing, half of the respondents expressed concerns about data privacy. However, passengers rated their comfort level with biometric use relatively high, averaging 6.7 out of 10, highlighting a clear need for industry-wide education on the advantages of biometric technologies and their compliance with stringent security standards.

Commenting on the report’s findings, SITA CEO David Lavorel emphasized: "We stand on the brink of a new era of travel, where unprecedented demand coincides with cutting-edge technological advancements. The motives of passengers are clear: they seek to leverage the latest digital solutions to expedite and optimize every aspect of their travel experience. The industry bears the responsibility of ensuring travelers are well-informed about the safety of their data and the potential of biometrics to maintain privacy."

Mobile solutions may also enhance travelers’ confidence in checking baggage during flights. Two-thirds (68%) of passengers would feel more secure with access to new technologies, particularly the ability to track baggage via mobile phones or digital identifiers.

Other interesting findings from the survey include passengers’ attitudes toward sustainability. Six out of seven respondents expressed a willingness to incur additional costs to make their journeys more eco-friendly. On average, travelers are willing to pay 11% more than the ticket price to offset carbon emissions from their flights. Additionally, 57% are prepared to spend more time flying longer routes at slower speeds, and 81% would carry less luggage to reduce their carbon footprint.

"Passengers are showing a readiness to support the industry in its transition to zero-emission aviation. Their openness to carbon offsetting and willingness to alter baggage behavior motivate airlines and airports to reduce emissions through sustainable technologies and changes in operational practices and infrastructure," Mr. Lavorel added.