The aviation industry invested a record $50.8 billion in technology in 2025, yet fragmented data systems continue to limit returns. A new industry report reveals that poor data integration is now the biggest barrier to operational efficiency, AI impact, and resilience—especially amid ongoing global disruptions affecting airlines and airports.
The global air transport industry poured a record $50.8 billion into technology in 2025yet a persistent challenge continues to limit returns on that investment: fragmented data systems that fail to communicate effectively across stakeholders.
According to the latest 2025 Air Transport IT Insights reportthe inability of data to flow seamlessly between systems, partners, airlines, and airports is emerging as the single greatest barrier to unlocking the full value of digital transformation.
This issue is becoming even more critical as ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, continue to disrupt global aviation operations. Industry leaders warned that the cost of poor data coordination is now higher than ever—but so is the opportunity for those investing in fixing it.
“We are publishing this research at a moment when the industry is under significant pressure,” said David Lavorel. “Across every area we measured, the same constraint emerges: where data does not flow across systems and partners, investment cannot fully deliver what it was designed to unlock. That constraint carries a higher cost today, but also a clear opportunity to emerge stronger.”
Rising IT Spending Signals Strategic Shift
Airlines and airports are doubling down on technology investments as they seek to build resilience and improve operational performance.
- Airlines invested $36 billion in 2025, representing 3.6% of total revenue
- Airports increased spending to $14.8 billionor 7.3% of revenueup from 6.4% in 2024
The motivation is clear:
- 83% of airlines and
- 89% of airports
Now identify data-driven decision-making as a top strategic priority.
Operational Reliability Now Directly Impacts Revenue
With global air traffic operating near capacity, disruptions have immediate financial consequences. According to the International Air Transport Association, Flight delays cost the industry approximately $30 billion annually.
To combat this, nearly 46% of airlines are upgrading flight operations systems to unify data across:
- Aircraft
- crew
- Passenger systems
- Flight operations
However, 49% of airlines still cite data integration and consistency as their biggest obstaclehighlighting the gap between ambition and execution.
AI Expansion Hinges on Data Integration
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping aviation, but its effectiveness depends heavily on connected data ecosystems.
- 63% of airlines already use AI in operations control
- 79% plan to prioritize generative AI and large language models within the next year
AI is most effective when operating within single systems. However, its use drops significantly when cross-system coordination is required:
- Only 17% of airlines use AI for real-time turnaround monitoring
Airports are making progress, with 53% now applying AI to turnaround processesup from 36% in 2024. Still, the report emphasizes that AI’s limitations are not technological—but infrastructural.
“Aviation is deploying AI with real ambition. But the survey is clear: the primary barrier to maximizing that investment is the lack of data integration across the operation,” Lavorel added.
Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage
As aviation systems become increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity risks are evolving.
A breach today could disrupt not just one system—but entire operational ecosystemsincluding:
- Passenger data
- Gate assignments
- Turnaround coordination
Key findings include:
- 71% of airports rank cybersecurity as their top IT priority
- 68% cite it as the main driver of infrastructure upgrades
- 64% are already using AI in cybersecurityup from 51% in 2024
Digital Identity Adoption Accelerates
Digital identity solutions are gaining traction across the industry:
- 64% of airlines plan to issue their own digital credentials (up from 32% in 2024)
- Biometric border control is expected to grow from 54% to 83% of airports by 2028
However, scaling these solutions requires collaboration:
- 57% of airlines say airport cooperation is essential
Without consistent recognition across all passenger touchpoints, the benefits of digital identity remain limited.
Sustainability Progress Depends on Data Ownership
Sustainability initiatives are advancing fastest where operators control their own data:
- 83% of airlines are investing in fleet renewal
- 67% are using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- 75% of airports deploy energy monitoring systems
Yet broader initiatives—such as end-to-end emissions tracking—remain below 20% adoption due to the need for shared data across multiple stakeholders.
A Common Thread Across the Industry
From AI and cybersecurity to sustainability and digital identity, the report highlights a consistent theme:
Progress is strongest where data is integrated—and weakest where it is fragmented.
“Across AI, cybersecurity, digital identities and sustainability, operators name the same constraint: data that does not flow across systems and partners,” Lavorel concluded. “Data coordination is not a future priority. It is what is limiting outcomes today.”
Bottom line:
The aviation industry’s record technology investment signals a clear commitment to digital transformation. However, until data flows seamlessly across systems and partners, the full benefits of that investment will remain just out of reach.