Airline software specialist SITA has launched new technology to help airline modernise their passenger handling systems.

The SITA Connect Fly system is supported by Versa – a global leader in universal Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology.

SITA said it will mean airlines can stop relying on “outdated networks and multiple vendors while reducing costs and addressing security gaps and delays at the airport.

Connect Fly gives airlines and the wider transport industry a faster, more secure way to connect departure control systems (DCS) and web applications directly to their passenger-facing workstations, such as check-in kiosks.

Versa SD-WAN connectivity provides modern software-defined networking and built-in cyber protection.

Airlines are expected to use the system to simplify operations, strengthen resilience, and cut the time needed to open new stations from months to just weeks.

Airline passengers should experience less waiting at check-in and boarding, improved trust in the safety of their personal data, and a more seamless experience.

Martin Smillie, senior vice president for communications and data exchange at SITA, said: “Airlines across the world are telling us the same thing: they need faster, more resilient systems to keep up with growing passenger volumes and increased cloud services.

“SITA Connect Fly provides a managed secure connectivity service for pre-flight operations worldwide, helping reduce the risk of outages and keeping network and security policies consistent across airports.

“In practice, this means smoother check-in, more reliable boarding, and a less stressful journey for passengers.”

Kelly Ahuja, chief executive of Versa, added: “As SITA’s technology partner, we are extremely gratified to be part of delivering this modernised network and security infrastructure using our VersaONE Universal SASE platform.

“Our innovations have enabled SITA to transform their managed services and be in a leading position to deliver flexibility and agility to their customers.”

SITA Connect Fly builds on SITA’s widely used Community Connect DCS service that supports check-in and boarding control in more than 400 locations worldwide.