Airports are facing the pressure of rising customer volumes and complex digital operations.
Qatar has decided to overhaul their legacy systems and scale cyber resilience within its global operations with the deployment of SITA’s next-generation Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN). The airline’s rollout, across more than 350 outstations worldwide, embeds aviation security, connectivity and performance, but also advances cybersecurity controls such as privileged access that redefines how to safeguard critical data and operations.
The agreement marks the first large-scale Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) deployment for a major global airline by SITA.
It’s out with the old legacy networks that are being quickly outpaced by a more “flexible, software-based system that intelligently routes data across multiple connections, including MPLS, broadband and dedicated internet, and LTE/5G accesses, choosing the best path in real time”.
The new system is code in zero-trust architecture and a privileged access control framework designed to ensure only authorised users and devices can connect to the network. This layered security approach continuously verifies access privileges, encrypts all data traffic, and isolates potential threats before they can impact operations.
The managed network uses multiple layers of protection to keep sensitive data safe and reduces the risk of cyberattacks.
“Airlines everywhere are grappling with soaring traffic volumes, rising security threats, and the need to modernise creaking legacy infrastructure,” said Selim Bouri, President, Middle East & Africa at SITA. “SD-WAN is a game changer because it delivers the speed, resilience, and protection needed to keep operations running seamlessly at global scale. With Qatar Airways, we’re seeing a flagship example of how next-generation networks can unlock new levels of efficiency and customer experience across the industry.”
Suhail Kadri, Chief Information Officer at Qatar Airways said: “With SITA’s SD-WAN, we’re not only modernizing our infrastructure but also strengthening the protection of our systems and data, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for our passengers and teams worldwide.”
