SITA joins Massachusetts Institute of Technology Airline Industry Consortium

SITA, a specialist provider of IT solutions to the air transport industry, has joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Airline Industry Consortium. SITA will participate in the research and educational efforts of MIT's Global Airline Industry Program and will contribute to the development of its strategic aviation research agenda.

Dr. Peter Belobaba, Program Manager of MIT’s Global Airline Industry Program said, “Because a full understanding of how the airline industry operates cannot materialize on the MIT campus alone, interaction with industry players is vital. SITA joining the program is both welcome and significant as it has 60 years of experience of working in the air transport community. We look forward to SITA's input as it continues to research and implement new technology for the industry.”

Sandra Girona, SITA Regional Vice President for North America, added, “Our membership of the Consortium will allow SITA to further enhance its focus on the requirements of the Air Transport Industry. SITA has a vast amount of industry knowledge and experience, and combined with MIT's role as a prestigious research and development institution, the Consortium should benefit greatly from this combination.”

SITA, which will spend $110 million in 2008 on research and product development, announced earlier this year the creation of SITA Lab, a world class facility for technology research for the air transport industry.

The MIT Global Airline Industry Program, created in 2000, is focused on developing a body of knowledge for understanding development, growth and competitive advantage in the airline industry. It is an independent center for objective and creative aviation research on topics such as airline industry trends and forces, airline networks and operations, and aviation safety and security.

MIT Airline Industry Consortium membership is open to industry suppliers, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airport authorities, labor groups, and government agencies. Current members include Air Canada, American Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Massachusetts Port Authority, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Air Transport Association, the FAA, American Express, as well as other industry leaders.

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