10 emerging technologies that are reshaping the flying experience for the airline industry.
Not only has the airline business revolutionised the way we travel, but it has also reduced the world into a few hours. Today, the airline industry transports 3.6 billion passengers per year, accounting for one-third of global trade. The increasing number of passengers and technical advancements have permanently altered the airline industry’s face.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 developing technologies that are revolutionising flying experiences and digitally converting the sector into one that is tech-savvy and customer-centric.
1. Blockchain Technology
Given its prominence in the financial sector, blockchain technology is finding a wide range of applications in other industries as well. The airline sector has just recently begun to recognise the possibilities of blockchain in many areas. Air France has discussed how blockchain technology is being used to improve corporate processes and operations.
Here are some examples of how airlines might employ blockchain technology to improve operational efficiency, security, and even customer experiences.
· Airlines can eliminate the requirement for physical ID proofs by storing passengers’ data in a virtual de-centralised database that can be accessed by relevant personnel using blockchain technology.
· It can help turn flying miles into a more valuable commodity that can be utilised to provide clients with additional perks by tokenizing these points and allowing them to earn them through a community of partners.
· Blockchain technology can be highly effective in developing a secure data management system for customers.
2. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
The AR/VR revolution is being used extensively in industries such as retail and healthcare. The airline industry has followed suit. Right now, one of the most obvious applications of these technologies may be expected in the airport domain, where AR/VR-based apps can be used to enhance the airport experience. For instance,
The Gatwick airport employs augmented reality to assist passengers in navigating the airport’s complex architecture, while London City Airport has deployed AR technology to assist air traffic controllers in their critical duty of keeping flights safe.
3. Artificial Intelligence
As AI gains traction, businesses are implementing technology to improve consumer experience at every touch point. There are numerous applications of AI, ranging from chat bots to voice-based AI systems.
The airline industry recognises the value of AI in assisting them in improving their technological capabilities. Many forward-thinking airlines see the impact AI can have across different industries and are already investing in it.
For example, UK-based EasyJet uses artificial intelligence for predictive analysis. The airline is using these technologies to make sense of all the available data and use these insights to create individualised offers and experiences for individual passengers. The airline also has a passport recognition programme that reads passports and fills in all of the information for passengers, making data entry and management easier.
Easyjet and Korean Air are also looking into how a voice-activated digital assistant might assist in providing a more seamless travel experience.
4. Beacons technology
Beacons technology has had a lot of success in retail, and there’s a lot of potential for the airline sector to employ them to make it easier for passengers to navigate between terminals at the airport. Furthermore, beacons can assist airports and vendors on the premises in determining where passengers are and sending them personalised and relevant information. These notifications could be concerning the customer’s boarding gate number, baggage carousel, flight status, or nearby shops and cafes.
The MIAMI International Airport is already using beacons to provide a more personalised experience for passengers. As passengers navigate through the airport, the app delivers information about the entire facility. They are also provided with pertinent information based on their specific route, such as gate numbers, flight updates, luggage collection information, and so on.
5. Robotics
The airline sector is also employing robotics to aid with duties such as customer service, baggage handling, and parking.
Last year, KLM’s socially conscious ‘Spencer Robot’ received a lot of attention. This robot has been given the ability to deal with social issues involving people, and his sensors can’see’ and analyse persons nearby. Spencer can also discern between individuals, families, and bigger groups, as well as learn and follow social rules, resulting in human-like behaviour.
6. Biometrics
The airline industry is constantly striving to make customers’ travel experiences enjoyable and pleasant. One such initiative by the industry is to implement biometrics technology at airlines and airport contact points. The ‘Happy Flow’ project started the biometrics testing back in 2015. This project, appropriately named, intended to create a smooth and secure air travel process.
Many biometric-enabled single token platforms have been introduced in just two years, and airlines and airports are using them to revolutionise passenger experiences. For example, Air New Zealand has introduced a biometric-enabled bag drop to expedite check-in.
Delta Airlines recently took a step forward and debuted the world’s first self-service biometric-enabled luggage drop to “free up more Delta workers” for customer service.
7. Wearable technology
Airlines have begun to employ wearable technology in a variety of ways to improve the consumer experience on flights. The following are some examples of airlines that use wearable technology:
- Microsoft’s HoloLens was recently deployed by Japan Airlines to train new crew members and engineers. The mechanics can be instructed in engine mechanics using HoloLens, simulating their experience working on a real plane.
- EasyJet and British Airways are two airlines that have developed Apple Watch apps that allow travellers to save boarding cards and receive real-time updates on their wrists.
8. Internet of Things
The FTE claims that:
“Over the next decade, it is conceivable that all “things” on board will be connected, and the health of everything will be monitored in real time, from engine performance to the IFE system. Sensors will identify and report issues to ground-based maintenance workers, eliminating the requirement for the crew to manually record faults. Furthermore, the attachment of sensors to aircraft seats will allow the crew to monitor individual passenger health and well-being and respond to their requirements in a proactive manner.”
Virgin Airlines has integrated Internet of Things onto its Boeing 787. Every component on the plane is connected to a wireless network, which provides real-time IoT data on things like performance and maintenance. The airline is taking advantage of the massive amount of data collected on these flights to increase the aircraft’s efficiency while also being proactive.
9. Big Data and Analytics
Airlines can gain valuable insights by analysing the vast amounts of data available to them in order to create delightful travel experiences, understand customer preferences in real-time based on data from their purchase history, travel itineraries, and other sources, and provide them with customised offers and other services.
For example, United Airlines use a sophisticated “collect, detect, act” system to analyse roughly 150 elements in a customer’s profile, such as prior purchases, preferences, and so on, and personalise offers to them. After using this approach, United Airlines saw a 15% increase in revenue year over year.
Furthermore, using predictive analytics, this data can aid in enhancing operational efficiencies.
Southwest Airlines has teamed up with NASA to alert passengers about potential safety concerns. They created an automated system capable of processing massive data sets to warn about irregularities and avoid future accidents using machine-learning algorithms.
10. Mobile solutions
Smartphones have become an indispensable aspect of people’s lives today. Airlines have begun to enter the realm of mobile solutions, and they are leveraging this platform to communicate with their customers throughout their passenger trip, from booking to deplaning.
For example, Delta Airlines recently began delivering virtual boarding cards to their passengers 24 hours before their flight via their mobile app, making the check-in process easier for them.
Every business is being transformed by digital technologies, and the aviation industry is only just getting started. In the future, airline travel experiences will become more personalised, useful, and digitally advanced, providing customers with unforgettable flying experiences.
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