SITA acquires Materna IPS to transform air travel industry

SITA has acquired Materna IPS GmbH, a leader in passenger handling for airports and airlines. This move aims to reshape the aviation industry, creating the most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. It brings SITA’s vision of reinventing travel and transport to life, enhancing its leadership in passenger processing as part of a fast-growth strategy for the coming years.

With air traffic expected to double by 2040, airports and airlines must deliver smoother passenger experiences. SITA’s acquisition is a critical component of its focus on innovation and reinvention to meet industry demands for increased terminal capacities and best-in-class secure solutions, leading to seamless travel for all passengers. This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

“This is an exciting new era of travel! SITA’s biggest acquisition ever is about to change the landscape of the whole aviation industry,” said David Lavorel, SITA CEO. “By combining our solutions and expertise we’ll take the passenger journey, and the operations around it, to a dimension of efficiency never seen before. Airports and airlines will get the most innovative passenger handling solutions available. Passengers all over the world can look forward to a new horizon in smooth, seamless and contactless travel.”

Materna IPS’s portfolio enables airports to process more passengers and optimise resources, enhancing the travel experience. The company is a market leader in self bag drop (SBD), with a customer base spanning North America, India, Europe and Japan. Materna IPS offers secure solutions for all passenger touchpoints, from check-in to baggage claim and boarding.

By acquiring Materna IPS, SITA is elevating its leadership. As airports undergo digital transformation and the market accelerates towards SBD, SITA and Materna IPS’s complementary solutions will reinforce their dominance.