Aruba, Delta showcase the simplicity of Digital Travel

Addressing the industry's biggest challenges 

Global air travel is booming, with 8 billion passengers expected by 2043. But airports face a projected 1.5 billion shortfall in capacity by 2040. The aviation industry is staring at a workforce gap of 1.6 million people by 2030, and airlines are operating on razor-thin margins. Meanwhile, governments are under pressure to tackle terrorism, human trafficking, and global health threats. The industry simply doesn’t have the infrastructure or resources to handle these mounting challenges using traditional methods. 

That’s where digital identity solutions come in. Together with our partner Indicio, a leader in decentralized digital identity technologies, we're stepping in to help our customers navigate this brave new world. With decentralized, secure digital identities, we are reimagining the end-to-end travel experience to drive cost savings, optimize resources, and simplify passenger processing – all without adding unnecessary complexity or overheads. 

Aruba and Delta: A case study in easy travel 

Our proof of concept with the Caribbean nation of Aruba and major US carrier Delta Air Lines is a perfect example of how digital travel can work in practice. By uniting two trusted technologies—SITA’s International Civil Aviation Organization-compliant Digital Travel Credential (ICAO DTC) and the International Air Transport Association’s OneID (IATA OneID)—we have eliminated friction from the Aruba travel experience.  

Governments now have a more efficient way to process travelers before they even arrive at the airport, reducing waiting times while ensuring compliance. This means improved efficiency and stronger security, while freeing up border officers to focus on higher-priority tasks. Advanced identity verification reduces fraud and safeguards sensitive data, all while protecting traveler privacy. 

For airlines, the benefits are just as clear. Pre-clearance capabilities can significantly reduce inadmissible traveler rates, cutting operational costs and minimizing last-minute disruptions. Additionally, by automating boarding processes across all common-use environments, airlines benefit from faster gate clearance, reducing ground time costs and maximizing aircraft utilization. Airports, too, are reaping the rewards. By processing passengers faster, they can manage peak volumes without major infrastructure investments. Less time in queues means more time spent in retail and dining areas, boosting revenue opportunities while enhancing the overall travel experience. 

Looking ahead 

Harnessing the power of digital identities isn’t just about making travel faster; it’s about rethinking how the industry operates. At SITA, we have the insight, experience and track-record to propel change. We also know that complex challenges don’t require complex solutions. By taking the first steps toward digital identity adoption, we’re shaping a travel experience that is safer, smarter, and more people-friendly. But this is just the beginning. The time to act is now. By working together and prioritizing traveler needs, we can redefine travel for everyone.