Aviation Industry to Spend US$46 billion on IT by 2026

The aviation sector is increasing its IT spending, with airlines projected to allocate US$37 billion and airports nearly US$9 billion over the next two years, according to the SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report. Investments will focus on enhancing cybersecurity, adopting biometric technologies, and advancing sustainability initiatives.

“This year’s findings highlight a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. As cyberthreats become more complex, airlines and airports are taking decisive action to protect their operations and passengers,” says David Lavorel, CEO, SITA. “At the same time, biometrics and AI tech are simplifying the travel experience, helping the industry meet growing demand and build resilience for the future.”

The report highlights a trend of rising IT budgets across the aviation industry. Cybersecurity is a key priority, with 66% of airlines and 73% of airports identifying it as their primary concern. These industries are implementing advanced security measures, including cloud services and robust data protection protocols.

Digital transformation is another major focus, with nearly half of the airlines and three-quarters of the airports reporting plans to upgrade their IT infrastructure. This transition includes the deployment of data platforms and predictive analytics that enable real-time decision making and optimized passenger flow management.

Biometric identification systems are being increasingly integrated into airport operations. Over 50% of airports plan to introduce biometric solutions for check-in and baggage drop by 2026, while 70% of airlines aim to implement biometric ID management within the same period. These technologies are expected to reduce passenger processing times by up to 30% and wait times by as much as 60%.

Additionally, airlines are investing in AI technologies, including Generative AI and ML, to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. AI-driven solutions are being applied to flight operations, fuel efficiency, and predictive maintenance. The report notes that 90% of airlines have adopted data platforms, with 42% exploring ways to structure their data for AI-based initiatives.

The aviation industry is aligning its IT investments with long-term sustainability goals. The report also indicates that three-quarters of airlines are using real-time software for flight optimization and carbon emissions tracking, while 62% are collaborating with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) suppliers.

Airports are also taking steps toward sustainability, with 54% implementing energy management systems to monitor and reduce emissions. By 2026, 81% of airports plan to deploy these technologies as part of their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.