SITA Pioneers Accessible Air Travel Technology with Swift Drop Units at San Francisco International Airport – Travel And Tour World

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SITA, a top technology provider in the air transport sector, has announced the successful completion of delivery testing for its advanced Swift Drop Self-Bag Drop (SBD) units at the new Alaska Airlines facility in San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Harvey Milk Terminal 1. This achievement signifies a major leap forward in passenger processing technology, improving the travel experience for millions of passengers.

Following a two-year relocation effort from Terminal 2 to the new Terminal 1 for Alaska Airlines, this initiative will bolster passenger processing at SFO. It also introduces the first agent-facing ADA-compliant self-bag drop in the U.S., establishing a new benchmark for accessibility in airport technology.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hensel Phelps on this groundbreaking project at SFO,” said Shawn Gregor, President of Americas at SITA. “Our Swift Drop, a solution created in collaboration with Alstef Group, represents the next phase of technology evolution for airports, offering an efficient, accessible, and user-friendly solution for baggage handling. This project not only enhances capacity but also sets a new standard for ADA-compliance in the U.S. market.”

Leveraging SITA’s Swift Drop technology, the automated bag drop units are built to manage the growing number of passengers, guaranteeing smooth and efficient baggage processing at SFO. Terminal 1 now features additional gates and 24 new terminal positions, including 25 Swift Drop units, comprising 15 standard units and 10 hybrid units (SBD + CUPPS). Each unit is equipped with a 3D digital camera system, achieving a high first-time read rate of 95% and processing each bag in less than 15 seconds.

“We are proud to be the first airport in the U.S. to launch the SITA Swift Drop technology,” said SFO Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “As an airport serving a region of innovation, our customers expect to see forward-looking solutions that make air travel easier and more efficient. We are grateful to the entire team that made this extraordinary experience possible.”

The ADA-compliant design guarantees accessibility for all passengers, including those with disabilities. SITA’s solutions are integrated into its comprehensive passenger processing portfolio, ensuring a uniform and smooth experience throughout the entire airport journey. The user-friendly design enables passengers to effortlessly roll their bags onto the unit, minimizing the need for lifting and handling.

“Through our partnership with SITA, we’re able to offer our guests the first automated bag drop units at SFO. SITA’s contributions were instrumental in making opening day of our operations at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 a success; we’re excited to provide our guests with innovative technology that streamlines the check-in process and reduces congestion in our lobbies,” said Rick Hines, managing director of operations at Alaska Airlines.