The aviation industry is firmly moving into digital transformation, highlighted by new agreements in Fiji and Sri Lanka, along with ongoing innovations from airlines and tech providers. Fiji Airports has partnered with Collins Aerospace, formalizing a USD $7.7 million deal to upgrade Nadi International Airport. At the agreement ceremony, Mesake Nawari, CEO of Fiji Airports, stressed that the project will integrate new technologies to improve airport operations, simplify passenger journeys, and prepare Nadi International Airport for future growth.
The first phase of this digital change will focus on implementing key airport systems. The second phase, set for 2028, will showcase advanced technologies. This phase plans to introduce biometric processing solutions, including self-bag drop units and face biometric e-gates at boarding and immigration points, among other innovations. Passengers will benefit from quicker check-in through biometric kiosks and facial recognition at e-gates, resulting in shorter wait times and better security. Steve Robinson, global director of business development at Collins Aerospace, expressed the company’s pride in working with Fiji Airports to create a smooth, data-driven, and passenger-focused experience. To ensure a smooth transition for travelers and airline partners during this tech upgrade, Fiji Airports has extended its existing SITA support contract to reduce operational risks.
Sri Lanka’s Border Control Embraces Digital Advancement with IOM Support
In a similar push for modernization, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is leading efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s border management system. The IOM will help implement an Automated Border Control (ABC) e-gate system at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). This project includes a four-lane e-gate system for arrivals and departures, aiming to improve passenger processing efficiency, increase security, and meet international travel standards. Although Sri Lanka has not yet issued e-passports, the new system will accept foreign travelers using electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs) and Sri Lankans with machine-readable passports (MRTDs).
Apple Improves Digital Boarding Passes; SITA Reports Record Low in Mishandled Luggage
Innovation is also thriving in the airline sector, with Apple announcing new features for its digital boarding pass at its recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). These improvements include live flight updates, indoor airport maps, and baggage tracking. Air Canada will be one of the first airlines to support these new Apple Wallet features, along with Delta, JetBlue, and United. The updated Apple Wallet will let iPhone users track flights in real-time, share updates with their contacts, navigate terminals through Apple Maps, view airline services like seat upgrades, and use Find My to track luggage directly from their boarding pass. The Live Activities widget will be available in the next version of CarPlay, allowing flight updates to be monitored in real time from a vehicle if shared. Additionally, in the U.S., iPhone users will soon be able to add their U.S. passport to Apple Wallet for identity verification at select TSA checkpoints.
SITA has published its Baggage IT Insights 2025 report, showing a significant year for baggage handling. The report notes that the mishandling rate decreased to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers in 2024. SITA noted that challenges remain, with baggage mishandling costing the industry an estimated $5 billion in 2024. David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, commented on the major shift in automation and real-time tracking, noting that passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app. It is about providing a smooth, connected journey. In 2024, passengers had access to real-time baggage updates, and mobile tracking would make them more confident in checking in a bag, in addition to the addition of digital ID tags.
