SITA, the global leader in technology for the air transport industry, has partnered with SriLankan Airlines to deploy advanced airport digitisation services at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB Airport). The implementation of SITA’s single self-baggage drop unit is expected to increase the passenger usage capacity by 20%. This groundbreaking initiative is set to enhance the travel experience by prioritizing convenience and efficiency while providing streamlined services for international passengers.
SITA, the leading technology company in the air transport industry, is at the forefront of the digital revolution in air travel with its cutting-edge biometric and digital travel solutions. As the only end-to-end solution provider in the market, SITA is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and shape the future of travel.
As part of this partnership, SriLankan Airlines will be using SITA’s TS6 Kiosk and Self-Baggage Drop solutions to enhance their passenger processing capabilities. Since 1968, SITA and SriLankan Airlines have enjoyed a longstanding and successful partnership. This new contract brings additional synergy to the collaboration and is a clear testament of the trust the airline has in SITA to deliver innovative and valuable solutions.
“This partnership with SriLankan Airlines is key in our journey to unlock the future of travel for the region,” said David Lavorel, CEO, SITA. “It marks the first implementation of self-baggage drop for international passengers in the ISC region, representing a crucial step forward in our mission to revolutionize air travel. We look forward to this collaboration setting a new benchmark for airlines and airports in the region and beyond.”
Another key benefit of this partnership is the significant improvement in the capacity of passengers through the check-in process. The implementation of a single self-baggage drop unit is expected to increase the passenger usage capacity by 20%, improving the speed at which travellers can check in and highlighting a strong return on investment. This will not only reduce wait times but also streamline operations, ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.
This partnership and implementation of SITA’s services will serve as an essential component of the efforts to boost tourism in SriLanka and contribute to its growth. By enhancing the efficiency and convenience of utilizing airport services, the partnership between SITA and SriLankan Airlines aims to provide a seamless travel experience for international visitors.
More recently, SITA has agreed to provide its passenger processing solutions to power the Airports Authority of India across 43 airports, serving 500 million passengers. The deal marks the largest-ever adoption of cloud-based technologies for passenger and baggage processing amidst a booming Indian aviation market.
SITA’s proven solutions, such as SITA Smart Path and Advance Passenger Processing (APP), underline its commitment to shaping the digital future of travel. The company’s co-innovation initiatives, including partnerships with Indicio and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), demonstrate its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration across the industry.
As we celebrate SITA’s 75th anniversary, we reflect on our legacy of meeting the needs of the community through collaboration and innovation. Today, we continue to lead the way in digital travel, providing seamless, secure and efficient solutions for travellers, operators, and governments, being the only provider of an end-to-end digital travel solution across airports and beyond. We don’t just connect the global aviation industry—we apply decades of experience and expertise and a tireless commitment to innovation to address almost every core business, operational, baggage, and passenger process in air transport.

Photo Captions

Vipul Seth, Vice President, Sales – India and Subcontinent, SITA Aero, Sumesh: Sumesh Patel, President, APAC, SITA Areo and David Lavorel, CEO, SITA Areo.

Seylan Bank reaffirms their dedication to supporting efforts at developing tourism and wildlife conservation, through their exclusive partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. The bank with a heart is collaborating with Cinnamon Hotels &Resorts, together with its wildlife andnature based-tourism arm, Cinnamon Nature Trails,to partner for the “Gathering of the Giants”, an event celebrating a rare wildlife spectacle.(17)

The Gathering of the Giants celebratesthe largest gathering of Asian Elephants in the world. The spectacle brings together nearly 300 elephants from different herds to one place. Playing out a mere 20 minutes from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and HabaranaVillage by Cinnamon, the spectacle takes place every yearon the banks of the MinneriyaResevoir.

The ‘Gathering of the Giants’ event aims to treasure and celebrate the country’s natural splendour, emphasizing efforts at conservation. The endeavour seeks to bring together a larger audience of touristsand enthusiasts, both local and foreign.

Seylan bank applauds and supports the event’s efforts at educating wider segments of society on the need to safeguard the country’s natural habitats. The aim of the event’s success is twofold. On one hand, it hopes to remind society of the need to protect the country’s ecosystem for future generations. On the other, the event aims to educate through subject-matter experts on the urgent need to preserve spaces where elephants can roam freely, without fear of confrontation. This hope is compoundedby the need for peaceful human-elephant coexistence and effective conflict management.

Easy payment schemes presentSeylan Card holdersfree access to the event and the photo exhibition along with exclusive offers. The package of 2 nights and 3 days also includes 2 exclusive safaris in the park. The event’s keynote speakers include renowned conservationistsand environmental professionals, both local and international.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ruchith Liyanage, Head of Cards at Seylan Bank stated, “Our partnership with Cinnamon Nature Trails is our heartfeltbid to create a truly unique experience for our clients. The event is unlike any other because clients may educate themselves and develop awareness through the very experience of seeing these majestic animals in the wild. We believe that experience is ideal in educating the public on these matters. We’re delighted to be a part of an effort that, not only enriches their lives, but also builds on the potential to implement more sustainable futures within the country’s tourism industry.

Echoing the sentiments of Seylan Bank, Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Cinnamon Hotel & Resorts added, “We’re very pleased to be partnering with Seylan Bank for the Gathering of the Giants event. This collaboration allows us to facilitate efforts and forums with experts and lend a handat developing not only the country’s tourism, but also safeguarding the country’s biodiversity for future generations. We’re confident that this event is a prelude of more to come with other like-minded partners like Seylan Bank.”

The booking period for the event is open till the 8th of August 2024. The event itself is set to take place from the 9th to the 11th of August 2024. Those interested in making a booking may do so through https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/gathering-of-giants or call the hotline at 011 200 88 88 for more information.