SITA has opened a new technology hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, aimed at driving innovation in air travel. This new hub strengthens SITA's network of technology centres, joining those in London, Letterkenny (Ireland) and New Delhi. The Cluj-Napoca hub will focus on developing solutions to improve passenger processing, operational efficiency and sustainability, addressing key challenges in the aviation industry.
The hub will play a vital role in creating next-generation platforms such as SITA Flex, which allows passengers to check in and board using their phones, reducing wait times globally by up to 40%. Another key platform, SITA WorldTracer, aims to reduce lost baggage incidents by 77% while lowering carbon emissions with its cloud-based system. According to SITA's CEO, David Lavorel, the Cluj hub will help accelerate the development of technologies that cater to growing passenger demand for faster, more efficient, and greener travel. The hub will focus on automation, biometrics, and AI to modernise passenger processing systems worldwide.
To mark the hub's opening on October 9, a letter of intent was signed by SITA's President for Europe, Sergio Colella, and Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport's Chief Operations Officer, Dan Nicorescu. This agreement establishes a strategic partnership to share expertise and collaborate on joint initiatives aimed at advancing airport technology. The collaboration will focus on innovation in passenger processing, sustainability, and testing new solutions to address the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
Airports and airlines are investing heavily in technology, with airports spending US$10.8 billion and airlines US$34.5 billion in IT according to SITA's 2023 Air Transport IT Insights. The Cluj hub will contribute to the industry's move towards cloud-based, mobile, and self-service solutions, which enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, SITA's expansion will support the development of secure digital identity solutions, like the Digital Travel Credential (DTC), which improves real-time identity verification for governments, airports and airlines, enhancing both compliance and passenger experience.
