Qatar Airways has announced the implementation of SITA’s next-generation Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology across its international outstations.
The rollout marks the first large-scale SD-WAN deployment by SITA for a major global airline.
SD-WAN technology replaces existing networks with a more flexible, software-based system that routes data across multiple connections, including MPLS, broadband and dedicated internet, as well as LTE/5G accesses, allowing for the choice of the most viable path in real-time and enabling faster response times.
Qatar Airways’ rollout has covered 350+ outstation sites, as well as multiple data centres. The implementation aims to address long-standing issues regarding latency and bandwidth, ensuring essential applications always receive priority.
Passengers will notice the switch with shorter waits, faster access to services and a consistent connection.
SD-WAN also allows for the use of multiple layers of protection, enabling stronger cybersecurity efforts.
Selim Bouri, President, Middle East & Africa at SITA, said:Airlines everywhere are grappling with soaring traffic volumes, rising security threats, and the need to modernize creaking legacy infrastructure.
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.
