The impact of the pandemic on air travel has been severe with global passenger traffic down some 48 per cent year on year at the end of November 2020, according to data by SITA, an IT and telecommunication services provider to the air transport industry.
“Regaining passenger confidence has become a critical factor for airlines and airports to weather the ongoing economic storm,” says SITA President, Middle East, India and Africa, Hani El-Assaad.
“The industry has to achieve far more with far less to thrive in a significantly smaller market where passenger numbers may be uncertain for years to come.”
Against this backdrop, the airline industry must quickly shift its focus from immediate actions like asking passengers to wear masks and apply hand sanitisers to longer-term and more sustainable solutions, he says, citing automation of operations as key to reducing queues and touchpoints at the airport as passenger volumes recover.
“Resilient and agile systems that increase efficiencies and can respond to unpredictable fluxes in passenger numbers will greatly influence those who can adapt and thrive in this new reality,” continues El-Assaad. “The pandemic represents a new 9/11 moment for air travel and how we respond will define our industry for decades to come.”
SITA has been working with many of the Middle East’s major airports to deliver low-touch solutions focused on automation and biometrics. Here are a few examples of the technology passengers can expect to encounter when they fly in or out of the region.
Passenger flow management
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has adopted SITA’s automatic boarding pass validation system to facilitate a smooth and easy passenger experience, known as the automated Traveller Document Authentication System (TDAS).
Bu hikaye Business Traveller Middle East dergisinin February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Business Traveller Middle East dergisinin February 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Onwards and upwards
In an exclusive interview with Ian Fairservice for Business Traveller, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, provides insight into the current and future state of travel and Emirates’ pivotal role in getting the industry back on track
Cleaning up the crisis
How hotels have risen to the challenge of keeping guests safe during the pandemic
The Great Vegas Meetings Magic Act
The city is working hard to conjure up events and make millions of visitors reappear
TAKES OFF
Corporations are seeking new travel solutions that put safety and convenience first
TEE TIME IN TOKYO
The Tokyo Olympics may be delayed, but the golf courses around Japan’s capital aren’t slowing down
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
New and upcoming hotels to check out when you next visit Saudi Arabia
QATAR CALLING
A swathe of hotels are opening in the Gulf State in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup
MEMPHIS CON BRIO
Music and history flood through the heart and soul of this quintessential American river town
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.
Taking Scotland in Stride
A walk through the Highlands and Borders is the best way to touch this country’s history and nature