SITA CUSS 2 is built for the reality of passenger processing today: bag drop, mobile and self-service, contactless journeys, new devices, new experiences. It brings modern web-based technologies, stronger security measurements, broader device support, and shorter release cycles – creating a standard that’s easier to evolve, easier to maintain, and ready for long-term change.

CUSS 1 relies on outdated, no longer supported technologies. SITA has long advocated for modernization, and CUSS 2 introduces stronger security, streamlined integrations, and future-proof architecture, critical for protecting the 400+ airports running SITA solutions.

IATA’s support for CUSS 1 ends in January 2026. - For SITA customers, this means SITA is actively guiding and supporting structured migrations to ensure service continuity with minimal operational disruption.  

No, but SITA is providing migration guidance, tooling, and readiness assessments to help airlines rebuild or refactor their applications for the CUSS 2 ecosystem. SITA also provides the option of continued operation of CUSS 1 applications on CUSS 2 kiosks and self-bag-drops.  

• A fully modern, Web-Native architecture

• Enhanced cybersecurity frameworks

• Expanded digital payment capabilities

• Cloud deployment options aligned with SITA’s platform roadmap

• Improved implementation and diagnostic

• Stronger operational resilience and reduced cyber security risk

• Faster rollout cycles supported by SITA’s managed services

• Reduced total cost of ownership as legacy components phase out

• Chairing the IATA CUSS Working Group

• Providing reference architectures and migration playbooks

• Delivering readiness workshops with airports and airlines

• Providing integration and certification support for airlines

• Developing bridging capabilities to support mixed environments

• Ensuring full transparency around timelines, certification, and dependencies

Our CUSS 2 platform is planned to be available for customer QA and integration testing from Q21 2026. Pilot and full deployments can be expected from Q1 2027.

Yes. The existing app (currently built on CUSS 1.5) has a defined roadmap to full CUSS 2 compatibility. Development is underway, with SITA prioritizing smooth customer transition.

Airlines should prepare to redevelop their applications for CUSS 2 and plan for recertification.

SITA provides:

• Technical consulting

• Migration guidelines and best practices

• Access to CUSS 2 integration and test environments

• Joint planning workshops

Often no. SITA is working closely with kiosk vendors to validate compatibility, offer OS upgrade paths, and ensure peripheral support so existing hardware can be retained wherever possible.

SITA anticipates a 1–2-year phased migration, allowing airports and airlines to upgrade at a manageable pace with coordinated certification and environment updates.