GENEVA – October 2025 – Managing costs is a central concern for airlines operating in a competitive and high-expenditure environment. While aircraft operations account for more than half of an airline’s total costs, many finance teams still rely on manual processes that are time-consuming, error-prone, and vulnerable to fraud.
To address this, SITA has launched AeroCost Manager, a purpose-built Direct Operating Cost (DOC) accounting solution developed in partnership with Maureva. The system provides real-time cost management and invoice control, giving airlines full visibility of every dollar spent on aircraft operations.
“Keeping on top of costs in the aviation industry isn’t easy, and yet it’s essential for managing financial success and future route planning,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange at SITA.
“Most direct operating costs are still handled manually and aren’t centralised. That’s not only ineffective for budget control but also exposes airlines to inefficiencies and potential third-party fraud. SITA AeroCost Manager is a purpose-built accounting system that helps airlines manage operating costs effectively, adding value and profitability to the financial bottom line.”
Built on Maureva’s market-leading KEOPS system, AeroCost Manager validates invoices, detects overcharging, and automates the entire cost-control process. “SITA AeroCost Manager integrates our KEOPS solution to automate and enhance airline decision-making and financial stability,” explained Jean-Marc Perreaux, Sales Director at Maureva. “It centralises data and continuously monitors costs, providing accurate calculations for everything from network and route planning to flight operations, post-flight costs, and overall budgeting.”
The system audits every operational expense — from jet fuel, which can account for more than 30% of flight costs, to airport handling, navigation and overflight fees, take-off and landing charges, as well as crew accommodation and transfers.
With built-in IATA SIS (Simplified Invoicing and Settlement) protocols, SITA AeroCost Manager integrates accounting from more than 1,000 suppliers. It enables finance and planning teams to build accurate budgets, assess route profitability, and model service agreements in real time. The platform also identifies discrepancies automatically, generates claims, and issues credit notes where necessary.
Smillie added, “Without centralised, automated control of invoice management, it becomes a cost centre rather than a control point. For airlines operating 50 aircraft, accounting teams handle around 25,000 to 30,000 invoices a year. Manual processing introduces human error and opens the door to fraudulent activity. SITA AeroCost Manager addresses these risks through intelligent automation, improving accuracy and financial control across all operational expenditures.”
SOURCE: SITA AERO
