A Journey Without Passports

During a technology demonstration, Kelvin Ng, Senior Business Development Manager for Border Management at SITA, stated that the aviation industry is rapidly approaching an era where traditional passports may become obsolete.

Since October 12, several European airports have ceased stamping passports for non-EU travelers following the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES). SITA predicts that within the next few years, international travelers may no longer need to carry physical passport booklets.

"The passport scanning process will begin right at home," Mr. Ng explained. "Passengers simply use a dedicated app to scan their e-passport data and their face to create a verifiable Digital Travel Identity. The entire process takes seconds—faster and more comfortable than checking in person at the airport."

At the airport, facial recognition will replace manual document checks entirely. "Your face is your passport; that is exactly where the industry is headed," Mr. Ng added, forecasting that passport-free travel will become globally prevalent within the next 5 to 8 years.

Redefining the Check-in Experience

One of the center's highlights is the Flex Box, a mobile device that mimics a traditional check-in counter but is only the size of a coffee machine.

The Flex Box can be placed anywhere in an airport or airline office, freeing staff from fixed counters. Equipped with a touchscreen, it can print boarding passes, bag tags, and accept QR code payments. Its compact and flexible design allows it to be deployed in high-traffic areas or remote service points.

SITA also introduced a mobile passenger check-in trolley, a solution that allows travelers to check in at hotels, train stations, or any off-airport location.

Stefan Tuchen, SITA’s Business Development Lead and the designer of the trolley, noted that the system is optimized for mobility. "Passengers can check in at their hotel room, print boarding passes, and weigh/tag their luggage. A transport service then delivers the bags directly to the airport," he said.

This solution helps passengers save time and enjoy their final hours of shopping or sightseeing, while significantly reducing congestion at traditional airport check-in areas.

 

Technology with a Human Touch

In an exclusive interview, Sumesh Patel, President of SITA Asia-Pacific, shared that for 76 years, SITA has played a central role in building the technological foundation of the global aviation industry—from reservation systems and border control to passenger management.

"SITA works closely with ICAO and IATA to establish global standards. Our goal is for passengers to feel they are always in control of their journey, while the technology running in the background ensures every process is smooth and natural," Mr. Patel shared.

Despite the focus on automation, Mr. Patel emphasized that SITA’s philosophy is not to replace humans but to empower aviation staff.

"Forecasts show that in the next 20 years, passenger volume and flight numbers will surge, making it difficult for the workforce to keep up. Technology will become an indispensable tool," he said. "We are not removing the human role; we are providing the tools for them to serve passengers faster, more accurately, and more efficiently."

With the opening of the Customer Experience Center in Singapore, SITA is not just demonstrating future technology; it is actively shaping how the world moves in the decades to come—toward a future where travel is seamless, intelligent, and more personalized than ever.