DUBAI — Providing mobile services to tech-savvy passengers just got easier for 120 airlines and ground handlers with the upgrade of iTravel by IT provider company SITA. This service, from the global IT provider to the air transport industry, allows airlines to implement passenger booking and check-in apps for Android and Apple phones and a web app for mobile usage on other devices. Designed for users of SITA's Horizon Reservations and Departure Control Services, iTravel incorporates the latest user interfaces, taking advantage of smart phone technology to provide a better service to passengers. An added benefit for the IT departments of airlines is that iTravel uses a SITA API, which means that any changes to platforms, such as an upgrade to the Apple iOS, will be managed by SITA with the updates made available to all users. iTravel provides a future-proofed solution that enables airlines to respond to passengers' increasing demands to use their mobile devices at every step of the journey. The use of geo-location and flight search using graphical maps allows passengers to be presented with relevant deals based on their current location in a very attractive and interactive user interface. Already four airlines are using the latest update of iTravel with all reporting increases in mobile services usage by their passengers. Allison O'Neill, SITA Vice President for Passenger Solutions, said: “Passengers want to use their mobile devices throughout their journey and 76 percent carry a smartphone but usage rates for services such as check-in and booking, remain below 5 percent. "More than three quarters of passengers list usability concerns and limitations of the device as reasons for lack of usage. At SITA we have addressed this by making iTravel as user friendly as possible. We have also made it easy for airlines to implement so that they can have mobile as a strong channel in their distribution mix.” Mobile services have become a real option for airlines as iTravel is quick and easy to deploy. SITA's API ensures that developers are isolated from complex airline business processes. In addition, SITA's keeps the API up-to-date. For example, it ensures that boarding passes are fully IATA and TSA compliant so that airlines do not need to make changes. iTravel delivers secure and streamlined access to shopping, booking, check-in, flight and airline Information, and loyalty functionality. It also provides valuable business intelligence on the customer's behavior and value to the airline. Together, this offers airlines more opportunities to connect with their passengers and in time to increase ancillary revenues. More than 120 airlines and ground handlers use Horizon Reservations and Departure Control Services and, with iTravel, they have the opportunity to introduce world-class mobile services to their passengers. — SG
