Learn more about a few of the ways technology is currently impacting the travel industry.
COVID-19 not only disrupted people's lives around the world, but it also changed the way airlines operate, prompting each sector of the travel industry to develop new strategies for success. As technology continues to transform the travel and tourism industry, we see the adoption of emerging technologies, sustainability challenges, end-to-end passenger experiences, and more. The number of airline passengers continues to rise, but travelers— and the environment— are coming back with new needs.
It used to be difficult to stay connected to the internet while traveling, but this has changed thanks to innovations in technology. Between the early and mid-2000s, technological advancements allowed passengers to remain connected to the internet while at airports. With the increasing prevalence and accessibility of Wi-Fi technology, airports began providing passengers with wireless internet connectivity.
Today, both airports and airlines are embracing cutting-edge technology to improve every aspect of the passenger experience. Every day a considerable demand for data is generated in major airports that attract a large number of passengers wishing to stay connected at all times— whether to keep loved ones up-to-date on their journey or to use entertainment apps to pass the time while awaiting their connecting flights.
A mobile private network (MPN), according to Airport Technology, is a powerful enabler for airports that want to automate, digitalize, and modernize their operations and services. In their own words, “4G and 5G MPNs are built specifically for an organization’s needs and give them full control of service quality and all devices able to access the MPN. They also enable wide area coverage both indoors and outdoors, where Wi-Fi alone won’t necessarily be the best option for the job.” Selecting the most effective connectivity solution to meet the future operational needs and demands of airports will, nevertheless, require a lengthy process.
On the one hand, airport operations are complex, involving passenger services, airline operations, baggage handling, security systems, and other aspects. Each of these areas has unique connectivity needs that must be carefully considered. Simultaneously, the landscape of connectivity technologies is constantly evolving, and the chosen connectivity solution must be scalable to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and shifting technological demands over time.
Online booking, flight cancellation or delays, and ticket prices could all be affected by the growing popularity of AI. Airports plan to use emerging technologies for tracking and reacting to variations in the flow of passengers, flight schedules, weather, and other conditions. Yet, it will still be challenging to get everyone in the framework to work together. For example, stakeholders like airlines, ground handlers, and security must be in constant communication and share data regularly to drive industry progress.
In the near future, we will see generative AI used to improve customer experiences by providing better, more personalized travel recommendations and promotions, as well as assisting with maintenance, repair, and even personalized pilot training. With so many potential applications, generative AI will soon impact all aspects of the travel sector.
Since 2023, passenger numbers around the world have been returning to pre-pandemic levels, yet the aviation industry continues to face issues: currently, a pressing need to deal with CO2 emissions. The transition to clean aviation requires collaboration between airlines, governments, technology companies, and suppliers. As the industry strives to implement long-term emission reduction strategies, technology emerges as a key nexus that facilitates this process. According to Ian Taylor, director and global aviation leader at Arup, "With more focus on energy and carbon-efficient transport, new patterns will emerge."
Airlines must accelerate digital transformation to improve operational efficiency, route planning, and profitability. At the same time, fostering environmental consciousness among passengers becomes paramount, wherein informing them of the estimated CO2 emissions associated with each flight can incentivize more eco-friendly choices. Innovations like the Google Travel Impact Model (TIM) play an important role in guiding people toward environmentally friendly options.
To sum up, technology is vital in the world of travel. As discussed above, several technologies, including advanced air mobility, data analytics, intelligent location, autonomous systems, and automation, will be employed at airports in a significant way in 2024. We are certain that these emerging technologies will contribute to increased efficiency, reduced passenger wait times, and improved customer service overall
As tech-savvy travelers, we think it is smart to look into the digital innovations and trends that will shape the travel industry in the coming years.
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Here's a quick recap of the most influential technologies of 2023.