SITA Acquires ASISTIM Making Airline Services More Accessible

SITA, the leading technology provider for the air transport industry, has taken a significant step by moving into the operations-as-a-service market with the acquisition of ASISTIM. ASISTIM is renowned for its airline flight operations services. This strategic move highlights SITA's continuous efforts to innovate and provide solutions that help airlines manage challenges and stay competitive, thereby enhancing the overall air travel experience.

Enhanced Role and Comprehensive Solutions

This acquisition strengthens SITA’s position as a premier partner for ambitious airlines, offering them comprehensive solutions regardless of their size or passenger volume. As the air travel industry evolves, airlines are confronted with issues such as staff shortages, rising costs, and changing demands. SITA's acquisition of ASISTIM directly addresses these challenges by providing centralized airline Operations Control Center (OCC) services that support multiple customers simultaneously. Moreover, SITA now has access to its own OCC, enabling closer monitoring and optimization of its implemented technologies, further advancing its innovative solutions.

Combining Expertise for Better Service

By merging ASISTIM’s expertise with SITA’s unique airline OCC software, IT solutions, and global customer reach, the enhanced service allows more airlines to outsource critical operations. This merger helps airlines overcome the difficulties of recruiting, training, and retaining their own OCC staff. It ensures that airlines can operate at the highest standards, as SITA democratizes access to advanced technology, robust processes, and experienced personnel typically reserved for larger operators. Consequently, airlines benefit from a trusted operational partner that enhances their efficiency, reliability, and scalability, regardless of their size or passenger capacity.

“Acquiring ASISTIM is a big move for SITA’s Managed Services portfolio journey. It’s a step towards our goal to support all airlines by making the best of our capabilities and expertise available to them, in this case, OCC services, whether we take on full OCC activities or a subset,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “By centralizing OCC services, we help airlines manage daily or peak operations more smoothly, providing a scalable solution for all sizes. Now, we’re ready to build on ASISTIM’s legacy of service excellence to expand our offerings, but also to bring their key operational insights back into our software product development plans. This will solidify our position as the go-to OCC provider and is another bold step in SITA’s vision to offer a full range of products and services in the air transport industry.”

ASISTIM’s Proven Track Record

Founded 15 years ago, ASISTIM has built a reputation for its innovative and unique triad of OCC, IT, and training academy services. This allows airlines to access a comprehensive range of services, including managed OCC services, OCC software integration and automation, and top-tier dispatcher training. Now, with the backing of an established industry leader like SITA, airlines can enjoy these comprehensive services with the added assurance of quality and reliability.

Patrick Rossman, ASISTIM founder and Managing Director, added: “Joining forces with SITA is a huge milestone. Our combined expertise will help us lead change in our industry. SITA’s products, airline relationships, and 75 years of experience will help us set new standards and bring more value to airline operations.”