History

Why was SITA formed as a member based organisation?

SITA members belong to SITA SC, and as such are SITA shareholders and owners. SITA SC is the cooperative entity established in 1949 to provide network services to the air transport community on a not-for-profit basis.

"Created and owned by the air transport industry, SITA brings 60 years of unique airline and airport experience to bear on the problems facing the industry today.
As a community-owned and community-oriented partner, SITA is committed to continuing to play a proactive role in pioneering new tools and supporting new industry initiatives aimed at helping airlines and airports to reduce costs and improve customer service."

Bill Miller, Managing Director IT Services, Continental Airlines and SITA Vice-Chair

The original rationale for being a member-based organisation was to deliver common benefits to the air transport community through the provision of common services globally, even in countries where operating restrictions normally apply.

This spirit remains the core of the SITA ethos. Our mandate is still to serve the needs of the community as a whole. In that respect, our members derive considerable benefits – from service provision to economic rights of ownership.

We listen to our members' needs, requirements, regional and cultural perspectives, and respond through: