SITA's Strategic Acquisition of CCM to Redefine Airport Designs and Passenger Experience

SITA, a prominent player in the air transport technology sector, recently announced its acquisition of CCM, a Milan-based company renowned for its expertise in airport design and interior facilities. This acquisition marks a significant turning point in the evolution of airport operations, where a blend of innovative technology and high-end design will create future-ready spaces that cater to the evolving requirements of air travel.

The aviation sector is witnessing substantial investments in automation, biometric solutions, security measures, self-service options, and personalized commercial services. As airports continue to modernize, their layouts must adapt to leverage these advancements effectively. The traditional setup with static check-in counters and inflexible passenger flows has become outdated. Instead, airports need to transition towards seamless integration that employs smart technology and intelligent design to minimize congestion and utilize every inch of space efficiently.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, emphasized the vision behind this acquisition: "It's not just about expanding airports; it's about reinventing them. By leveraging CCM's exceptional design and implementation capabilities, we aim to transform airports to maximize existing spaces, optimize passenger flows, and create smarter, more flexible environments that adapt to changing industry needs."

The collaboration between SITA and CCM is grounded in a shared commitment to revolutionize airport functionality. SITA's expertise in passenger processing technologies can now synergize with CCM's profound understanding of design, offering a holistic approach to airport operations. Notably, airport spaces will evolve from conventional check-in counters to innovative layouts that reflect modern travel behaviors and improve overall efficiency.

According to the report “SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights,” 63% of airports are now leveraging self-service, biometrics, and mobile applications. Interest in automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation has surged, pushing IT spending to $8.9 billion. However, the full potential of these investments will only be realized if airport designs are conducive to support such innovations. Technology alone is insufficient to resolve traffic congestion; instead, smarter layouts and adaptive infrastructure are essential.

CCM, under the leadership of the Marinoni family, has successfully designed and delivered terminal areas for over 300 airports worldwide. With a team passionate about creating environments that prioritize efficiency and passenger experience, CCM is expected to bring invaluable design insights to SITA’s extensive technology portfolio. Sergio Colella, SITA's Chairman for Europe, reinforced the need for a fundamental shift in the airport industry: "The market demands a transformation—one where technology and design collaborate seamlessly to enhance airport functionality. By incorporating CCM into the SITA family, we are introducing a unique capability of 'Technology by Design' that couples design excellence with operational efficiency."

Monica Oberti, appointed as the interim CEO of CCM, is set to drive the integration alongside SITA, bringing years of extensive experience in large-scale space redesigns. "For too long, airports have been forced to choose between efficiency and passenger experience. Now, we can merge intelligent technology with thoughtful design, enhancing airports for the future," she stated.

SITA and CCM are committed to working diligently to integrate their expertise, ensuring uninterrupted service for existing clients while simultaneously exploring new opportunities to optimize airport environments. With the aviation industry evolving at an unprecedented pace, airports require solutions that enable them to not only catch up but also stay ahead.

This acquisition signifies a new era for airport infrastructure, one that prioritizes both technological advancement and superior passenger experience, ensuring airports are not merely transit points but destinations in their own right. As SITA and CCM join forces, the future of air travel looks promising, with smarter, more efficient airport environments at the forefront of the transformation.