SITA partners with Zamna to digitize travel processes

SITA , an IT provider for the air transport industry, has partnered with travel identity company Zamna Technologies to automate travelers’ journeys through airports and across international borders.

Zamna, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup of 2021 , says its decentralized blockchain-based model transforms how passenger data, such as passports, visas and health information, is verified and handled. With its technology, passengers no longer need to repeatedly present travel documents every time they fly, according to Zamna.

SITA says its own “scale and expert work with 1,000-plus airports and 70-plus governments uniquely position [SITA] to lead this industry-wide commitment to transformation.”

David Lavorel , CEO of SITA, says the partnership supports SITA’s vision of “enabling a truly connected and digital travel experience, along with all the benefits it will deliver: efficiency, improved passenger experience and increased security.”

Airlines and airports will benefit from reduced processing times and less infrastructure needed to process passengers, Zamna says, while border agencies will benefit from the border checks happening pre-departure.

Passengers will “enjoy peace of mind” that their data is being handled securely and “that they have satisfied all regulatory requirements to travel,” according to Zamna.

Irra Ariella Khi, CEO of Zamna, says the partnership will “make travel significantly more efficient and deliver secure travel identity for all - through airports and across borders.”

Miami International Airport announced in May 2022 it was rolling out biometric boarding for international flights at all of its more than 130 gates, in partnership with SITA .

Canadian airline WestJet announced in June it would begin testing technology from Zamna that will enable the airline to verify passenger data and travel documents before airport arrival.