The air transport communications and IT solutions provider, SITA, has acquired Canadian-based Mexia Interactive, which specialises in curb-to-gate passenger analytics for the air transport industry.
Mexia’s innovative technology identifies and predicts bottlenecks in various queues such as check-in, security and taxi lines while monitoring the amount of time passengers spend in airports. It also enables airports to find non-aeronautical revenue potential through insights on passengers dwelling in the airport.
Revealing how the acquisition will enhance SITA’s existing airport operations and passenger flow management solutions, Barbara Dalibard, CEO of SITA, said: “Airports increasingly need comprehensive and sophisticated technology solutions that help them meet the continued growth in passenger numbers while improving the overall airport experience. This is a market where SITA is strongly focused and where it can deliver real value.”
According to SITA’s 2018 Air Transport IT Insights survey, the implementation of ‘wait-time monitoring’ has jumped from 31% of airports in 2017 to 42% in 2018. With demand for queue management solutions emerging as a key focus area for airport operators, this acquisition will enhance SITA’s existing airport operations and passenger flow management solutions. It will also strengthen its airport portfolio with SITA’s customers benefitting from the automated predictive analytics and detailed passenger flow management throughout the airport.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Glenn Tinley, Mexia’s president said: “we are extremely excited about the additional benefit our existing customers will receive from the wider SITA portfolio while helping SITA deliver additional value and benefits to their established customer base.
Mexia’s existing client database includes a number of regional airports, such as Liverpool John Lennon in the UK, Cork in Ireland, Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus and both Belfast airports in Northern Ireland.
