SITA, a leading provider of air transport technology, has initiated the deployment of its Smart Path technology at nine airports across India. This move comes as part of the DigiYatra initiative, a digital transformation plan spearheaded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to modernize air travel in the country. The primary goal is to introduce a contactless boarding pass system, enhancing passenger convenience and improving operational efficiency at Indian airports.

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

Under this new system, biometric data 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 will be able to manage passenger flow more efficiently, reducing congestion and optimizing the use of resources.

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

In its initial phase, the DigiYatra system will be introduced 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.

Enhancing Efficiency in Indian Aviation The DigiYatra initiative is seen as a major step in improving operational efficiency across India's aviation sector. In 2023, more than 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 expand to cover 28 airports across India, reaching 90% of domestic travelers.

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

SITA and AAI Partnership Sumesh Patel, President for the Asia-Pacific region at SITA, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting that the technology rollout will not only improve passenger experiences but also streamline airport operations. "India is experiencing rapid growth in air travel, and modernizing airport infrastructure is critical to meeting the rising demand," said Patel. "Our solutions are designed to support this modernization and help India’s airports handle the growing volume of passengers efficiently."

In July 2023, SITA secured an agreement with AAI to provide technology solutions for 43 Indian airports. This includes improvements 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 key role in helping Indian airports meet future demands as the country continues to emerge as a global aviation hub.

Long-standing Relationship with India SITA’s collaboration with the Indian government dates back to 1952, with the company playing a pivotal role in the development of 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 strengthen India’s global competitiveness in aviation.

With the expansion of the DigiYatra initiative and SITA’s Smart Path technology, India is set to become a leader in digitalized and contactless air travel, ensuring smoother, more efficient journeys for millions of passengers annually.