Aeroflot and Sber have officially entered into a strategic partnership to implement next-generation payment technology within the airline's service infrastructure. Announced during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026), this agreement marks the first time an airline will utilize Sber's AI-driven NEO terminals. These advanced devices are designed to streamline the ticketing and payment process for travelers by utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance user interaction and security.
Advanced Features of the NEO Payment System
The new NEO terminals represent a significant shift toward adaptive technology in the travel industry. According to Kirill Tsyarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Sber, these devices possess unique ergonomic and technical capabilities. The hardware is designed to accommodate the physical requirements of various users, ensuring a more inclusive service experience.
- The screen automatically adjusts its tilt angle based on the height of the customer.
- Integrated biometric systems allow for face recognition regardless of ambient lighting conditions.
- The AI-driven interface adapts to individual user patterns to simplify the transaction flow.
The terminals will adapt to the user: the screen automatically adjusts its tilt angle depending on height, and the biometrics system recognizes faces in any lighting conditions.
Implementation Timeline and Strategic Goals
The rollout of this technology is scheduled to begin at the end of September 2026. The initial installation will take place at Aeroflot's flagship office in Moscow, serving as a pilot site for further digital transformation. By integrating these AI-powered systems, the airline aims to reduce queuing times and provide a more seamless financial transaction process for its international and domestic passengers. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the tourism sector where biometrics and automated service points are becoming the standard for high-traffic transport hubs and service centers.
The introduction of NEO terminals highlights the ongoing collaboration between Russia's leading financial institution and its primary air carrier to modernize the passenger experience. As these devices become operational in late 2026, they are expected to set a new benchmark for contactless and biometric payments within the regional travel market. This transition to AI-assisted service points aligns with global efforts to increase efficiency in the aviation industry through high-tech infrastructure investments.