August 18, 2025

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SITA Expands Airport Solutions Portfolio with Strategic Acquisition of Materna IPS

By Shingirai Vambe

The global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, has completed the acquisition of Materna IPS, a leading provider of passenger processing and baggage management solutions. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the aviation industry, creating the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel.

The acquisition represents a significant acceleration of the global aviation industry’s digitalization, streamlining check-in, baggage handling, and security processes for a seamless travel experience. With SITA’s expertise in biometrics, computer vision, digital travel, and airport operations management, combined with Materna IPS’s cutting-edge solutions for passenger processing and baggage management, the integrated portfolio will enable airports to process more passengers, optimize resources, and provide a personalized experience for travelers.

The integration of Materna IPS’s common use check-in solutions, multiple Self Bag-Drop options, and expertise in baggage management will complement SITA’s existing solutions, creating a unique and unbeatable portfolio. Airports will benefit from increased efficiency, reduced wait times, and enhanced security, while travelers will enjoy a smoother journey with personalized digital services.

SITA’s leadership in passenger self-service solutions, with over 13 billion air passengers using SITA systems, will be further strengthened by Materna IPS’s expertise in passenger processing. The combined entity will serve 85% of international air passengers globally, solidifying SITA’s position as the market leader in airport solutions.

The acquisition will enable SITA to provide a comprehensive range of solutions, from check-in to baggage claim and boarding, with a global footprint of over 120 airports. The acquisition places SITA as the world’s biggest provider of airline passenger self-service solutions, with over 13 billion passengers using its systems at airports globally.  This includes key airports in South Africa, Ethiopia, Morocco, Gabon, Mozambique, Malawi, Togo, Zambia, Algeria, Djibouti, Niger, Central Africa Republic, Guinea, Equitorial Guinea, Egypt as well as St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands. The integrated portfolio will empower airports to transform from simple transit hubs to digital, personalized experiences for travelers worldwide.

David Lavorel, SITA CEO, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We look forward to welcoming Materna IPS to the SITA family. Our combined expertise and solutions will create a unique and unbeatable portfolio, reshaping the future of travel.”

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in SITA’s journey to transform the aviation industry, enabling airports to meet pressing demands for increased terminal capacities and best-in-class secure solutions. As the industry continues to evolve, SITA’s integrated portfolio will enable airports to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.

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