Global aviation technology provider SITA has acquired Big Blue Analytics, the developer of OCC Assistant Manager (OCCam), an AI-enabled disruption optimization platform designed to help airlines manage operational disruptions more effectively and reduce associated costs.
The acquisition will enable SITA to scale the OCCam platform globally, giving airlines access to a proven solution that addresses one of the industry’s most persistent challenges—flight disruptions. The move also forms a key part of SITA’s broader vision for an Intelligent Operations Control Center that integrates planning, monitoring, and recovery functions into a single operational ecosystem.
Airline disruptions remain one of the sector’s most significant cost drivers, with industry losses running into tens of billions of dollars annually. For a mid-sized airline operating slightly more than 100 aircraft, disruption-related costs can reach between US$70 million and US$80 million each year. Airlines using OCCam have reportedly reduced those costs by as much as 30%, translating into potential savings of between US$20 million and US$30 million annually.
Unlike traditional disruption management systems that address aircraft, crew, passenger, and maintenance issues separately, OCCam simultaneously evaluates all operational constraints and generates coordinated recovery plans within minutes. The platform provides operations teams with ranked and feasible solutions that balance cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, on-time performance, and passenger impact.
According to SITA Chief Executive Officer, David Lavorel, the aviation industry has historically viewed disruption as an unavoidable cost of doing business. However, growing operational complexity and volatility are creating opportunities for airlines to adopt more agile recovery strategies powered by artificial intelligence.
SITA already supports more than 100 airline Operations Control Centers worldwide through solutions such as Mission Watch and has previously demonstrated its ability to deploy AI-driven technologies at scale through products including OptiFlight. The company intends to leverage OCCam’s optimization engine as the foundation for future AI applications capable of predicting disruptions earlier, automating routine recovery tasks, and simplifying operational decision-making through advanced language and agent-based technologies.
Chief Executive Officer of SITA for Aircraft, Yann Cabaret, said the acquisition marks the first step toward creating a more intelligent operations environment where airlines can manage planning, monitoring, and disruption recovery through a unified platform tailored to their operational needs.
Founder of Big Blue Analytics, Pau Collellmir, noted that joining SITA will accelerate the deployment of the technology across the global aviation sector, making advanced optimization tools more accessible to airlines seeking greater operational efficiency and resilience.
The acquisition underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in airline operations as carriers increasingly seek technology-driven solutions to improve reliability, reduce costs, and enhance passenger experience in an increasingly complex operating environment.
