AAV In Conversation with Sumesh Patel, president of Asia-Pacific for SITA on COVID-19 and technology

Sumesh Patel, president of Asia-Pacific for SITA. (PHOTO: SITA) Asian Aviation Magazine Editor Matt Driskill is In Conversation with Sumesh Patel, president of the Asia-Pacific region for the technology company SITA on the state of commercial aviation in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic and how airlines and airports are employing technology to speed passengers through their journeys. Patel was named president of SITA Asia-Pacific in 2017. He is responsible for developing and driving the strategic direction of SITA in the region. Patel is a global leader in the air transport industry with decades of experience working with airports and airlines across the world. Prior to this role, he was vice president of business management, Asia-Pacific at SITA. He has guided teams in the design and implementation of major IT initiatives to meet the exacting needs of Asia Pacific’s leading airlines and airports. He has a broad experience working with customers and a deep knowledge of the air transport industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Patel holds an Executive MBA from the National University of Singapore and is based in Singapore. SITA’s membership base includes airlines, airports, airport-based organisations, and air traffic management, with 95 percent of all international destinations and over 13,500 industry sites connected by SITA‘s network. SITA provides high-speed network communications to and between members on a not-for-profit basis and drives the IT agenda across the air transport industry, researching and investing in the latest technology innovations. SITA works closely with leading global industry associations, including The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI), and locally with regional industry associations to ensure we are fully aligned to the current and future needs of the industry. SITA members guide our direction and strategy through the SITA Council, which has reserved seats for both airport and ICT provider representatives. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]