The impact innovation could have on the future traveller

28 March, 2019

Improving the passenger experience is a key objective for most airlines and airports. One of the best ways to do that is by using tools that create a seamless, comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. The benefits of a more streamlined and content passenger is undeniable and leads to improved loyalty, more time for passengers to spend in restaurants and shops at the airport and an customer satisfaction.

As one the discussion topics at the forthcoming Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit 2019, CAPA - Centre for Aviation will explore this subject and question what technology is set to shape the way the future traveller interacts with airlines and airports?

Looking at the range of tools available which could assist improving the traveller experience, it will explore how artificial intelligence, online technology, common use check in, offsite check in; self-service kiosks, self-drop baggage systems, biometric identify management, automated border control and many other functions could impact the passenger experience.

As the foremost authority on aviation in the world, CAPA - Centre for Aviation's events provide cutting edge knowledge about strategic market trends and dynamics to help attendees make informed decisions, delivering the information and connections needed to inspire and improve business. The CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit will take place in Dubai between 29-30 April 2019.

The summit will examine key commercial and operational issues affecting airlines and airports in the Middle East and Africa, focusing on both domestic issues and growth prospects in key international markets. CAPA will challenge leaders of the Middle East and African aviation industry to reflect on what is needed to drive the industry forward, using examples of innovation in outside markets as a benchmark to follow.

Like their peers elsewhere, carriers in the Middle East face ongoing challenges to their business models. Competition from ambitious new entrants such as the Chinese carriers are threatening the big three Gulf carriers' position as the chief global superconnectors, who are themselves slowing down as they recalibrate their market positioning.

The region's airlines also have to contend with challenges unique to the Middle East, such as fluctuating oil revenues, regional conflict and overcrowded airspace. On the regulatory front, ongoing negotiations for comprehensive air transport agreements between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations are being hampered by protectionist voices.

Further west, Africa faces its own protectionist hurdles. Impotent government transport strategies and an unwavering commitment to propping up failing carriers continues to limit the region's aviation success. Local airlines are faced with high operating costs arising from government imposed taxes on aviation fuel and monopoly airport fees, while poor management practices and government restrictions on operational freedoms have severely impaired the natural progression of the industry.

While the Jan-2018 launch of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) represents progress, perhaps the greatest optimism attaches to some very persistent attempts to expand LCC operations in the region.

The CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit seeks to tap into the dynamic changes taking place in the airline industry in this part of the world and address the issues in creative and authoritative ways.

This event, hosted at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), previously known as the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is a forum for debate and discussion of this strategic issue within the aviation industry and it is attracting delegate interest from across the globe. It is a must attend for those seeking to do business in the Middle East & Africa, where they can gain first-hand inspiration from airlines, LCCs, airports, travel technology providers, OEMs and financiers.

FIND OUT MORE… visit the CAPA Middle East & Africa Aviation Summit homepage to find out more about this not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss relevant issues impacting the aviation sector and learn meaningful insights from your industry peers.