The main trends we have seen in the aviation market over the last 10 years

The aviation industry has very much been one to watch over the last decade alone. From changes in the standard of commercial flying to space airlines, the aviation market and business has showcased innovation and interest across the board. The accessibility to training within this industry has created the scope for different types of minds to come together more than ever before and the main trends that have been seen in the last ten years are of excellent contribution.

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The Transition of Airport Ownership

Although the pandemic has decreased the amount of international travel and general use of airports, the steady increase in travelling by plane is something that the aviation market is welcoming with open arms. There is a seeming transition in airport management structure as it is going from public to public-private partnerships and then transitions into fully private airports. With airport management systems heading in the direction of private ownership, the opportunities for investment has become more open and encourages a range of investments. Bearing this in mind, the development of the airport is accelerated as well as the chance to delve into different types of suppliers and products within the aviation market. Modernising and improving airport standards is something that is expected to come as a result of more privately owned airports.

Services that are location-based

Just as the world of technology is catering to users and customers, the world of aviation is very much on the same path. Using location-based services like Bluetooth and wifi, these services can offer target marketing and get to know the types of people that are flying with an airline. Being able to track the preferences of a customer and using personalised technology can provide information to suppliers and the purchase of non-aeronautical goods and services.

With this information, the experience within commercial flying for a customer can be made much more pleasant and would result in them wanting to continue flying with a particular airline. 

Digital Security

The passenger wait times when it comes to flying is not something that is kept a secret. Checking in paired with security clearance can make for a long waiting time before you even board any aircraft. The introduction of digital security and the concept of walkthrough security aims to reduce the wait times for passengers. The evolution of security systems in airports is something that is constantly being looked into and developed for the safety of travellers and passengers so incorporating digital security will only propel and streamline the way passengers check in before flying.

Green Airports

The parallel of flying and also wanting to be eco-conscious is a concept to contend with when travelling. With there being a high standard to limit noise and air pollution, airports are channelling their efforts into creating greener airports where possible. By turning to more renewable energy options and improving energy management solutions green airports are looking to find more green solutions to cater for their consumer requirements and generally delving into more eco-conscious energy solutions.

Airport Cities

Airport Cities are collective concepts that allow passengers to rest and meet. This is an extension of what you may know as an airport lounge but takes it one step further. An airport city is almost like a social hub for travellers and provides more services that are linked to an airport. For example, restaurant partnerships with the airport are able to provide a place for passengers to eat and also create fluidity across different sectors that are still linked to aviation. An array of suppliers and service providers are able to introduce new ways of catering to a customer and create more of an experience when it comes to flying and travelling.

Transforming in a digital manner

The digitalisation of different services is most certainly the way that the future is heading and of course, encompasses airports and aviation. Trying to get to know a customer on a personal level is key to what services can be provided and leaning into digital tools can allow airports to do so. Digital processes aren’t simply restricted to the service side of travelling and aviation, but also the operations side of airports. With the operations side of things, there will be a seamless way of working and the functionality of certain processes will continue in a smoother manner. This in turn will translate across all the different roles that happen within an airport.

In the digital age and at a time where data is abundant, implementing a Fuel Efficiency program without the support of a modern specialized tools is like trying to operate an aircraft only with paper. It can (hardly) be done but it’s certainly not the most efficient way. Aircraft and modern IT systems generate megabytes worth of information for each flight. If this data is captured automatically and treated adequately with proper data

cleansing and computations, including new technologies such as Big Data and AI, it can give the airline invaluable insights into its operations

The aviation industry goes beyond the planes themselves and although there are many innovative things happening within aviation and engineering the service side of aviation is also changing for the better. From stronger customer services to indulging customers in what they want, aviation and travelling is most certainly an experience that has the potential to work in parallel with an array of sectors.