The rate of technological development in the current period is unprecedented in human history. The aviation sector is experiencing the same technology change as almost every other industry today. The airline business has not only changed
the way we travel but also reduced the time it takes to get around the globe to a matter of hours. The modern airline sector transports millions of people annually and is responsible for the shipment of one-third of global commerce. The airline business is no longer what it once was, thanks to rising passenger numbers and cutting-edge technological advancements.

Cloud Technologies

Transport via air, and commercial airliners, in particular, necessitates the immediate, or at least very near to instantaneous, data transmission. More than anything else, cloud technologies make possible the success of other innovations in the aviation sector, including many that will be discussed in further detail below. The efficiency and safety of cloud-based technologies are becoming more vital than ever in the aviation industry as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data play an ever-growing role.

Blockchain Technology

Given the prominence achieved by blockchain technology in the finance industry, it is seeing a broad variety of applications in other sectors as well. The airline sector has recently begun to see the value of blockchain technology. French airline Air France has recently discussed its interest in blockchain technology to streamline internal operations. To label it a fad would be unfair since it represents a truly disruptive force that must be taken into account by intermediaries in the aviation sector and beyond.

Drones

Drones have garnered huge appeal among recreational, and therefore, are gradually becoming more and more inexpensive. Amazon is ahead of the competition in the “Game of Drones” and making significant strides. A look at Amazon’s new patent on the usage of a flying warehouse reveals the direction in which the company is going. Uber’s white paper on the viability of ultra-short-haul commercial flying in the urban realm, published a few months ago, reveals similar objectives.

Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR and AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is commonly connected with glasses that transport you to a virtual world where your actual motions are transferred to the virtual world. However, it is more probable that Augmented Reality (AR) will make its way into the airline and airport industries. The augmented and virtual reality revolution is being put to use in a wide variety of fields. As expected, the airline sector is following suit. Right now, one of the most apparent uses of these technologies can be anticipated to be seen in the airport area, in which the airport experience may be improved with the aid of AR/VR-based apps.

AI (Chatbots)

If things really go to hell in a handbasket, a traveller will need to download the apps of their car rental agency, airline, departure airport, connecting airport, destination airport, and hotel. As AI becomes more mainstream, businesses are integrating technology into their operations to better serve their customers at every interaction. There is a plethora of applications for artificial intelligence, from chatbots to voice-based AI systems. The aviation sector is aware of AI’s potential to help them advance technologically. Several airlines with a keen eye on the future have already begun investing in artificial intelligence because of the widespread potential of these technologies.

Beacons Technology

There was a time when pinpointing the position of humans and other moving objects inside buildings was thought to be impossible. As the strength of satellite signals is typically inadequate and the precision is insufficient when used inside, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are not suitable for use in these environments. Beacons are becoming more popular, and airports and airlines will certainly begin employing them to improve and personalise the services they provide to customers. Also, with the aid of Beacons, airports and retailers on airport grounds may track the location of passengers and give them targeted communications based on their specific needs and interests. These notifications may inform the user of the current location of nearby stores and restaurants and their flight status.

Biometrics 

A link between the airline industry and digital IDs based on biometrics has existed since 2001, while U.S. law required biometrics for entrance and leave. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only sped up the adoption pace, and there are always emerging cases of new use. SITA claims that by 2024, 60% of airports will have invested in biometric solutions and that airlines will have spent an additional $2 billion on biometric boarding. Numerous businesses have used biometric authentication systems, such as fingerprint scanners, eye scanners, and facial recognition software, to ensure identity and prevent fraud. Biometric technology was employed during airport check-in, customs procedure, and on-boarding operations, and will be used in the future for the luggage claim procedure in the airline industry. 

Big Data Analytics 

The term “big data” is used to describe huge datasets (both organized and unstructured) that exceed the capabilities of conventional database management systems. As a result of advancements in big data technologies, businesses can now use massive amounts of both internal and external data to innovate existing offerings and streamline processes, opening up new markets for their wares. Using the wealth of information available today, airlines can better meet the needs of their consumers and remain competitive in a cutthroat industry. United Airlines, for one, use a sophisticated “collect, detect, act” system to analise over 150 characteristics in the customer profile, such as their past purchases, preferences, etc., to give them personalized offers. After using this approach, United Airlines saw a 15% increase in revenue YoY. In addition, predictive analytics applied to this information may improve operating efficiency even more.

Although technology is improving and the industry is making strides to adopt it, the best-laid plans might fail if not properly implemented. It is essential to do extensive testing prior to acceptance and implementation. However, it goes without saying that incorporating the incorporation of these technologies in the Aviation Industry has been serving as a significant enhancer of the modern-day consumer experience.