SITA expands tech capabilities with new hub in Romania

Cluj-Napoca joins technology hubs in the UK, Ireland and India

Air transport technology company, SITA is opening its latest technology hub in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 

Aimed at advancing the future of air travel, this new hub strengthens SITA’s global network of technology centres and will play a critical role in addressing the challenges facing the aviation industry today.

These include enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact and delivering seamless passenger experiences.

The Cluj-Napoca hub joins its SITA technology network which includes hubs in London (United Kingdom), Letterkenny (Ireland), and New Delhi (India), and will focus on developing solutions that transform passenger processing and travel technologies. 

The hub is instrumental in the creation of next-generation platforms like SITA Flex, which lets global travellers check in and board using their phones, reducing wait times by up to 40%. 

Meanwhile, SITA WorldTracer cuts lost baggage incidents by 77% while also lowering CO₂ emissions with its cloud-based system.

“As the aviation industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, our new tech hub in Cluj-Napoca will help accelerate the development of technologies that meet growing passenger demand for faster, smarter, and greener travel,” said SITA CEO David Lavorel. 

“The hub plays a crucial role in modernising passenger processing globally, with a focus on automation, biometrics, and AI, enabling more seamless and efficient travel solutions.”

Airports and airlines are investing heavily in technology with airports alone spending US$10.8 billion and airlines $34.5 billion in IT (SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2023)—underscoring the urgent need for innovation. 

SITA’s Cluj hub is at the forefront, contributing to the industry’s shift toward cloud-based, mobile and self-service solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability.