SITA Connect Fly relies on Versa technology for secure, fast and cost-efficient SD-WAN at airports

Airlines worldwide face the same challenge: rising passenger numbers, increasing use of cloud applications – and often outdated network infrastructures. The result: higher operating costs, security gaps and delays in processing. With SITA Connect Fly, aviation IT specialist SITA is now introducing a new managed SD-WAN service that specifically addresses these issues. The solution is based on technology from network specialist Versa, a leading provider of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Less waiting time, more security

SITA Connect Fly is tailored to the specific requirements of departure control systems (DCS) and passenger-oriented front-office systems – in other words, precisely where smooth processes are crucial: at the check-in counter, at self-service kiosks or during boarding.

By combining software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and integrated cybersecurity, the solution increases reliability and significantly simplifies processes. A practical advantage: new locations can be connected in a matter of weeks instead of months.

For passengers, this means noticeable improvements: shorter waiting times, greater reliability when boarding and better protection of their personal data.

Uniform network and security policies worldwide

‘Airlines around the world are telling us the same thing: they need faster and more resilient systems to keep pace with rising passenger numbers and increasing cloud services,’ explains Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President of Communications and Data Exchange at SITA. ‘SITA Connect Fly offers just that – a managed, secure connectivity service for pre-departure check-in. This reduces the risk of outages and ensures that network and security policies remain consistent across all airports.’

Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa, emphasises the technological basis: “Our VersaONE Universal SASE platform combines network performance and security in one solution. This enables SITA to transform its managed services and offer flexibility and agility to customers worldwide.”

Advantages of cloud-native architecture

The new service builds on SITA’s Community Connect DCS service, which is already in use at over 400 locations worldwide. The all-in-one architecture of VersaONE provides airlines with additional features:

• Global cloud gateways shorten response times by always routing connections through the nearest access point.
• Bandwidth management ensures that critical applications such as departure control are always prioritised.
• Platform independence allows connectivity across different transport layers (ISP, MPLS, 4G/5G).

This means that even remote regional airports can be integrated into the infrastructure without additional hurdles.

Security without compromise

A key component is SASE integration (Secure Access Service Edge), which combines cloud-based security functions with SD-WAN. This allows not only airport locations, but also mobile devices and off-airport environments to be reliably secured.

Airlines benefit from a solution that takes scalability, agility and cyber security into account in equal measure – a decisive factor when it comes to highly dynamic operating environments such as airports.

A future-proof foundation for digital services

Through seamless integration with SITA’s common-use systems (CUTE and CUSS) and SITA Flex, Connect Fly creates the basis for real-time data processing across the entire SITA ecosystem. This not only makes check-in processes more efficient, but also lays the foundation for more connected, digital services of the future.