Source: SITA
Aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) stands at a turning point. After a period of strong recovery and transformation, the sector is entering a decade defined by technological innovation and the redefinition of its operational models. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the region is expected to exceed 650 million passengers annually by 2030, driven by tourism growth and greater regional connectivity.
Three major forces — accelerated digitalization, data integration, and new business models — are redefining how airlines, airports, and governments plan, operate, and connect with passengers.
To better understand the “voice of the traveler,” SITA presented its Passenger IT Insights 2025 report, which analyzes the behavior and expectations of LAC passengers. The message is clear: travelers want experiences that are simple, reliable, and sustainable.
Simplicity and Control: The New Passenger Priorities
For Latin American travelers, simplicity begins with faster processes and real-time updates.
Two out of three consider shorter airport wait times their top priority, while 42% value receiving journey updates through a digital app — above the global average.
The region also leads globally in interest in intermodal travel: nearly half (45%) expect to book a combined air–train–road trip within the next year, compared to the global average of 33%.
However, the operational reality still presents challenges. Three out of four LAC passengers must verify their identity with an agent at a counter, and eight out of ten can only board after manual document checks. Almost three in four are processed directly by an immigration officer — the highest rate in the world — revealing a clear gap between digital expectations and actual experience.
Digital Identity and Trust in Technology
LAC travelers lead the world in digital identity adoption.
A remarkable 95% — the highest among all regions — would like all their travel documents to be automatically linked to a secure digital wallet on their phone, compared to the global average of 87%.
They are also more open than other regions to non-governmental entities issuing digital credentials and to using biometrics at every airport touchpoint.
In addition, 45% want to access all their travel information in one place, exceeding the global average (40%).
Sustainability and Efficiency: A Growing Priority
Sustainability has become a decisive factor in the travel experience.
LAC passengers value more than the global average that airlines and airports use technology to reduce their environmental impact.
Two-thirds (67%) say they would travel with less luggage to lower flight emissions, well above the global average of 55%.
Trust also plays a central role. Although baggage mishandling rates are minimal, 83% of LAC travelers say they would be willing to pay for an end-to-end baggage management service, seeking greater peace of mind and control over their journey.
In this context, LATAM Airlines recently announced the integration of Apple’s “Find My” feature with AirTags, allowing passengers to track their luggage in real time — reinforcing its commitment to technological innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Regional Transformation: Technology at the Service of Experience
In a region where air traffic continues to grow steadily, several countries are already setting the pace for digital transformation.
Peru, for instance, took a major step forward with the implementation of a fully automated migration control system at the new terminal of Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.
The project includes 19 electronic gates (ABC eGates), 21 self-service kiosks, management consoles, a mobile app for advance declarations, and a comprehensive monitoring system, setting a new benchmark for fast, secure, and seamless border control.
The Future of Aviation in LAC
Digitalization, data integration, and new business models are no longer trends — they are the pillars of a smarter, more sustainable, and more inclusive aviation industry.
For SITA, technology will be the engine driving efficiency, sustainability, and regional connectivity.
“We are here to listen to the voice of travelers. And the message from Latin America and the Caribbean is clear: passengers are ready to embrace a more modern, connected, and sustainable experience. It’s up to us, through collaboration, to build a future where the travel experience lives up to their expectations while driving responsible and sustained growth,” said George Miley, Vice President for the Americas at SITA.
Digitalization, data integration, and new business models are not only shaping operations but also positioning aviation as a strategic pillar for economic development and regional integration.
Traditionally focused on passenger transport, the industry is evolving toward a digital platform and connected services model. In the years ahead, how the region embraces innovation will be key to defining its role in the new global era of air transport.