Travelers are making it known they expect the best in technology when traveling, and tech offerings at airports are no exception. Air travel industry leader SITA released a study this month detailing how Chinese airports and airlines are responding to this demand.
Chinese airports are ahead of their global counterparts in tech advances, with 72 per cent investing in the newest air travel technology, compared to 52 per cent of airports worldwide. They’re also spending more, using 38 per cent of their IT budgets on new tech offerings, compared to 32 per cent, the global average.
It is expected Chinese passenger totals will reach 1.3 billion by the year 2034, as both domestic and international travel increases. Currently, 93 per cent of this rapidly expanding group owns a smartphone and wants to use it during their travel. Particularly, study respondents expressed a desire to be able to use their smartphone for flight check-in and identification, especially when it comes to entering lounges and boarding. They also want baggage tracking, including exact times for baggage pick-up, carousel wait times and other useful details.
Chinese airports and airlines are responding to these trends and passenger desires as best they can. As of now, 62 per cent of Chinese airports provide real-time social media updates regarding delays and changing flight information. Many are also looking at ways they can restructure to better fit this new group of self-reliant passengers.
“Change does not happen overnight, it is going to take time for the industry to deploy the infrastructure and services in a way that enables mass adoption by passengers,” said May Zhou, vice president and general manager, China, SITA. “But change is coming, one area we see this happening is the development of ‘Smart Airports’ where new technology such as sensors, beacons and business intelligence are used to deliver efficiencies. Investments are now being made. Over the next couple of years, 85 per cent of airports are planning projects in sensor technologies while 82 per cent plan to have business intelligence initiatives for passenger flow in place.”
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 28, 2026The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Unveils Partnership with Farina est. 1709
Johann Maria Farina described his Original Eau de Cologne, in 1709, as a memory of an “Italian spring morning after the rain,” with the formula distilling freshness, lightness and emotion into scent. More than 300 years later, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils a new partnership with that brand, Farina est. 1709. Marking the resort’s 10th anniversary, the Cologne-based maison will bring its fragrance heritage to the island Nov. 14–20 for an immersive experience where scent, gastronomy and hospitality intertwine.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Cyprus
Sep 28, 20267 Reasons to Put Cyprus on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Cyprus with us.
Daily
Sep 28, 2026Park Hyatt Sets its Sights on Portugal with Projected Debut in Comporta
Hyatt Hotels and Portuguese real estate developer Coporgest team to bring Park Hyatt Comporta and Park Hyatt Comporta Residences to Portugal. The project will introduce the brand to Comporta, a coastal destination in Alentejo region known for its relaxed beach lifestyle, natural surroundings and local character.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Daily
Sep 28, 2026Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Opens in North Dakota
Opened July 4, 2026, on the 250th anniversary of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened. The building was designed by Oslo-based Snøhetta as the most regenerative cultural building in the Americas and one of the most ambitious projects pursuing the full Living Building certification, the world’s most rigorous environmental standard.
Daily
Sep 24, 2026Bathhouse to Open First Philadelphia Location at The Bellevue
New York City-based social wellness brand Bathhouse, beloved for its modern take on sauna culture, celebrated its first expansion beyond the Big Apple with its debut in Center City Philadelphia at The Bellevue.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Sep 23, 20264 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Whether an adventure seeker, culturally curious or a lover of all things music, Cleveland, Ohio, is the perfect weekend getaway for all types of personalities and travel styles.
ShareThis