Latin American Passengers Lead Global Demand for Digital Travel, SITA Study Finds
A SITA study presented at the ALTA Forum in Lima reveals that Latam travelers are outpacing the global average in their demand for digitalization and sustainability.
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atin American passengers are outpacing the global average in their readiness to adopt a fully digital travel experience. This is one of the main conclusions of the SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025 study, presented during the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2025 in Lima, Peru.
The report from SITA highlights that travelers in the region are primarily seeking three things: simplicity, trust, and sustainability.
George Miley of SITA explained that the market is undergoing a marked demographic shift, moving from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen Z. This new passenger profile demands an accelerated digital transformation and simpler processes.
The study's data is clear. A full 95% of Latin American passengers—the highest rate in the world—want to have all their documents in a digital wallet, including passports, credentials, and boarding passes. Furthermore, 42% demand real-time information about their journey (flights and baggage), and 70% of passengers in Brazil want to reduce their processing time at airports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025? A: It is a global study by SITA, the air transport industry's leading technology provider, analyzing passenger demands and expectations. The 2025 edition surveyed 7,500 travelers, with a focus on Brazil and Mexico for the region.
Q: Why are Latam passengers different? A: The study shows that passengers in the region have an even greater demand for digital solutions than the global average. For example, 95% want digital wallets (the highest rate on the planet) and 86% are willing to share data to optimize flights.
Q: How does AI help aviation sustainability? A: AI, in solutions like SITA's OptiFlight, analyzes data from each specific aircraft (engines, weight, weather) to recommend the most efficient climb, cruise, and descent profiles to the pilot, reducing fuel burn and emissions on every flight.
Sustainability is the other fundamental pillar. The study revealed that 67% of passengers are willing to travel with less luggage to help reduce emissions. Even more relevant, 86% would share their personal information with third parties if it allows Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize flight routes and reduce fuel consumption.
The Response: AI for Efficiency and Sustainability
Miley detailed how technology is already responding to this demand. He highlighted the OptiFlight solution, which uses Artificial Intelligence to optimize each phase of the flight (climb, cruise, and descent) in real-time, personalized for each specific aircraft.
Airlines like Azul and Viva Aerobus are already using this software to reduce fuel burn and emissions. In the case of Viva Aerobus, SITA reports a saving of 72 kg of fuel per climb, which translates to a direct reduction in costs and environmental impact.
SITA spotlighted several projects in the region that are already implementing this digital and sustainable vision.
- Aruba: The Caribbean country was presented as a global pioneer in the "digital traveler" concept, enabling a biometric and contactless process from check-in to boarding.
- Peru: The joint work with Lima Airport Partners (LAP) and Peru's migration authority was highlighted for establishing a comprehensive digital travel strategy at the new Jorge Chávez Airport terminal.
- LATAM Airlines: The airline was recognized for its adoption of self-bag drop and the recent integration with Apple's Find My technology for baggage tracking.
Shawn Gregor, also from SITA, concluded that the industry cannot simply double its physical infrastructure to meet the IATA (International Air Transport Association) projection of doubling passenger numbers by 2040. The only viable solution is digitalization and intelligent optimization.
"Latin America is not waiting; it is leading the digital transformation," Miley stated. "The passengers are ready."
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