The travel technology sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, as highlighted in a study by Amadeus, which revealed that airports are planning to boost technology investment by an average of 14% in 2024, signaling an imminent acceleration in the industry’s overall transformation.
According to Jihad Boueri, the Regional Vice President for Airport Affairs for the Middle East, India, and Africa region at SITA, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a leader in airport technology in the Middle East, making digital transformation a key focus of Vision 2030. Boueiri highlighted a worldwide surge in airport technology advancements, emphasizing that the Kingdom’s implementation was exceptionally rapid and robust due to ample funding and the establishment of new airports.
The Kingdom’s implementation was exceptionally rapid and robust due to ample funding and the establishment of new airports
When questioned about the sector’s challenges, he highlighted that the process of implementing advanced technologies could be delayed due to the need to train employees and identify and nurture young talents. Additionally, he noted that sustainability poses another obstacle as the aviation industry accounts for 4% of carbon emissions. In light of this, he emphasized the importance of initiatives like reducing engine operation time, conserving fuel to lower thermal emissions, and opting for eco-friendly equipment at airports.
The future of the travel industry will also involve travelers being able to conveniently check in their luggage from home
Addressing the future prospects of the travel industry, he emphasized the increasing adoption of airport technology that enables passengers to move through designated areas based on their biological fingerprint, which is securely stored in a comprehensive data cloud. Moreover, he said that the future of the travel industry will also involve travelers being able to conveniently check in their luggage from home, as airline companies embrace these advanced technologies.
In April, Saudia Airlines collaborated with Accenture to roll out a trial version of the ‘Virtual Assistant with Artificial Intelligence Technology’ platform, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies. By empowering users to efficiently plan their travel and complete necessary procedures, the platform aims to redefine digital travel standards.