by Megan Lohden

Aviation technology provider SITA has acquired airline flight operations service company ASISTIM.

According to SITA, the deal reflects its “never-ending search for new ways to help airlines handle challenges, making air travel better for everyone” as well as offering a comprehensive suite of solutions.

SITA’s acquisition of ASISTIM addresses problems such as staff shortages, rising costs, and changing demands by offering centralised airline Operations Control Centre (OCC) services.

Partnering SITA with ASISTIM will help airlines overcome the challenges of recruiting, training, and keeping their own OCC staff ensuring they are ready to operate according to highest industry standards.

SITA said this means “airlines get a trusted operational partner to improve their efficiency, reliability, and scalability, regardless of size or passenger capacity”.

David Lavorel, chief executive of SITA, said: “Acquiring ASISTIM is…a step towards our goal to support all airlines by making the best of our capabilities and expertise available to them, in this case, OCC services, whether we take on full OCC activities or a subset.

“By centralising OCC services, we help airlines manage daily or peak operations more smoothly, providing a scalable solution for all sizes.”

Lavorel continued: “Now, we’re ready to build on ASISTIM’s legacy of service excellence to expand our offerings, but also to bring their key operational insights back into our software product development plans.

“This will solidify our position as the go-to OCC provider and is another bold step in SITA’s vision to offer a full range of products and services in the air transport industry.”

Svensen Patrick Rossmann, ASISTIM founder, added: “Joining forces with SITA is a huge milestone. Our combined expertise will help us lead change in our industry.

“SITA’s products, airline relationships, and 75 years of experience will help us set new standards and bring more value to airline operations.”