Expenditure on IT enhancements at the world’s airports is expected to hit $8.7 billion in 2015 according to the latest estimates by aviation IT services firm SITA.
The annual Airport IT Trends Survey, co-sponsored by Airports Council International forecasts 6.25% of airport revenues will go toward tech upgrades this year, compared to 5.82% in 2014.
It also predicts higher budgets for 2016 with 64% of airports increasing spending.
Almost three quarters (73%) of airports rate passenger processing a pressing issue for IT investment, and 84% view airport security as a priority.
"Airports always have passengers as a high priority but this year we see a clear acknowledgement that technology can help improve the passenger experience," said Matthys Serfontein, SITA vice president, airport solutions.
"Airport CIOs are committing their rising budgets to introduce technologies such as beacons, mobile services and increased self-service, to make it easier for passengers as the world’s airports become increasingly busier."
Interestingly, the survey says that by 2018 80% of airports will use beacon technology for way-finding services and 74% for notifications to passengers.
The survey said more airports are embracing mobile technology with 91% of airports already having or planning to launch an app for airport navigation and 83% will use it for real-time notifications to help speed up passenger flow.
