Air Transport Communication and IT Solutions

Air transport IT specialist, SITA, today announced it has acquired Com-Net Software, the largest provider of integrated audio-visual passenger communication systems to airports, airlines and mass transit facilities in North America. The acquisition strengthens SITA's position as the leading global provider of airport management systems.

Francesco Violante, CEO of SITA, said: "Com-Net's leading flight information display systems (FIDS) and cutting-edge digital audio paging systems will greatly enhance SITA's airport management offering and will ensure our customers have best-in-class technology at airports. We can now offer the most advanced capabilities worldwide. Customers will be able to deploy our FIDS offering standalone or as part of our SITA Airport Management Solutions, which aims to transform airport operations."

Ohio-based Com-Net Software is now part of SITA's airport solutions division. It is the market leader for FIDS in North America with 50% market share and its 59 airport customers include Denver International, Los Angeles International, Orlando International, Reagan Washington National and LaGuardia International. Airline customers include, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest and US Airways. Com-Net brings to SITA a strong suite of integrated FIDS and public address systems products and services.

Chance Fultz, President of Com-Net said: "Joining forces with SITA is mutually beneficial. SITA enhances its airport offering to more airport and airline customers in the US, while being able to provide a best-in-class audio-visual communications portfolio – along with our expertise – to its customers around the world."

"We also bring our strong brand to the relationship. We have worked hard to make the Com-Net brand synonymous with technology leadership and outstanding customer service and support in North America. Importantly, the same people and skills will continue to develop and manage our systems."

The acquisition is in line with SITA's plan to grow and enhance its offerings for airport operations, including SITA Airport Management Solutions – a suite of integrated software that addresses the business requirements of airports operations, including planning, tracking, real-time and irregular operations, flight displays, aeronautical billing and reporting.

The deal will make an important contribution towards the delivery of SITA's 'Intelligent Airport' vision. This will enable airports to track, manage and share real time information and will optimize passenger journeys, airport processes and decision making. State-of-the-art FIDS and, increasingly, digital audio paging systems, are essential to managing delays and avoiding passenger dissatisfaction.

Com-Net delivers and fully supports systems designed to keep passengers informed at airports, airlines and mass transit facilities. Com-Net's ECLIPSX® suite of passenger communications systems integrate seamlessly with SITA Airport Management Solutions. It includes a Flight and Transit Information Display System, Digital Paging, Web Solutions, Interactive Voice Response System, and Hotel Flight Information Displays.