SITA and Ethiopian Airlines partner to enhance the passenger experience with SITA Smart Path self-service and smarter check-in, pushing Africa to a safer future of travel.
ADDIS ABABA – 2 August 2021 – SITA has announced a new technology deployment offering passengers enhanced check-in and bag drop self-services with Ethiopian Airlines at Bole International Airport (ADD).
The deployment, which features SITA Smart Path Drop & Fly baggage solution, has been implemented in the new extension of the check-in area with international passengers of Ethiopian Airlines benefitting from the service.
SITA’s self-service solutions have helped optimize the passenger experience with many travelers checking in online through the Ethiopian Airlines app, other airline applications and through SITA self-service kiosks.
Passengers using the technology can directly proceed to the self-bag-drop area to check in their bags quickly and easily avoiding long lines and reducing congestion in the airport at a time when social distancing remains a priority as the industry recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The solutions increase airport capacity by accommodating more passengers while empowering them with more control over their journey. The technology deployed also reduces passenger contact with ground agents, another key benefit under the context of COVID-19. With improved passenger processing and better on-time performance for airlines, ADD has become a technology-leading airport in the region. The deployment also prepares ADD for future implementations, including future-proofing the airport to accommodate biometrics quickly. Ethiopian Airlines is one of the first airlines in the region to implement this level of automation in passenger processing.
Getinet Tadesse, Acting Group Chief Information Officer, Ethiopian Airlines, said: “Both SITA and Ethiopian Airlines Group have had a clear objective of enhancing the passenger experience through intelligent, automated services, increasing operational efficiency for the airport and safeguarding passengers as we emerge from the pandemic. As the leading airline on the continent, we are delighted to welcome passengers back to the skies with improved passenger solutions. The implementation of Smart Path self bag-drop technology at our main hub will take passengers’ experience to another level through simplifying air travel while keeping customers safe.”
Hani El-Assaad, President, Middle East & Africa, said. “ADD is one of the first airports in Africa to implement Smart Path bag-drop technology and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest growing carrier, is the first adopter. This deployment marks a significant milestone in Africa’s air transport industry evolution. It shows that airports and airlines are ready to successfully embrace automated and intelligent airport solutions to ensure sustainable growth and lays the groundwork for a smarter, touchless future of air travel”.
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 60 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 60% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing airline in Africa. In its seventy-five years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to 127 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777- 300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of five years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with Seven business units: Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian ADD Hub Ground Services, Ethiopian Airports Services and Ethiopian Express Services (Domestic). Ethiopian is a multi-award-winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the past seven years.
