2023 Digital Transformation Challenges in the Travel Industry (A 3-Part Series)
What’s Happening in 2023 in the Travel Industry
The recent global health crisis and other extenuating circumstances out of our control have resulted in an economic downturn. Enterprises worldwide feel affecting the aviation industry the most. During an economic downturn, key economic indicators such as GDP, employment, and industrial production may decrease, while inflation and bankruptcy rates may increase.
Various factors, such as decreased consumer demand, a contraction in credit availability, natural disasters, geopolitical events, or global economic shocks, can cause economic downturns. They can range from a mild slowdown to a severe recession or depression.
Our current global changes over the past few years have had a negative effect on individuals, businesses, and governments. This has led to lower incomes, job losses, business closures, higher overhead costs, fewer available resources, and decreased profits. Many companies are turning to digital transformation to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
Continued Investment in Digital Transformation Despite Economic Outlook
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Companies that continue to invest in innovation and growth are the ones that come out ahead in the end.
According to a report by IDC, worldwide spending on digital transformation technologies and services will reach $2.3 trillion in 2023, up from an estimated $1.3 trillion in 2018. It represents a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%. The report states that companies are investing in digital transformation technologies and services to improve customer experience. This is mainly done to create new revenue streams and increase efficiency.
Enterprises must be strategic about their digital transformation initiatives during a teetering and tumultuous time. They need to focus on initiatives that will help them save costs, drive revenues, or both. Northrop Grumman is leading the way in partnering with customers on their digital transformation.
While dealing with tighter budgets can create cascading issues, the ultimate question is, “How can you achieve more with less?”
Digital Transformations Pushing the Aviation Industry Forward
The aviation industry is transforming digitally, with many airlines adopting cloud-based applications, big data, and IoT. The industry is embracing digitalization and data-driven decision-making, intending to become 100% digital. To improve customer experience and airline performance and stay competitive, 90% of airline leaders seek digital initiatives. Digital technologies can enable airlines to reduce planning cycles and become more agile and flexible.
Despite the challenging economic climate, companies continue to prioritize digital transformation and invest in technology. It is particularly evident in the aviation industry, where advancements in digital technology have had a significant impact.
Key digital advancements in aviation
Digital advancements in aviation have transformed the industry in recent years, leading to increased safety, efficiency, and convenience for passengers. Here are some of the key digital advancements in aviation:
Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs): EFBs are mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones that pilots can use to access flight information and manuals.
Automated Check-in and Boarding: Passengers can check in and board their flights using self-service kiosks or mobile devices, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.
Advanced Navigation and Communication Systems: GPS, satellite communications, and other advanced systems enable pilots to navigate and communicate with air traffic control more efficiently, improving safety and reducing delays.
Maintenance Management Software: Software systems can monitor aircraft systems and generate alerts when maintenance is required, reducing downtime and improving safety.
In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity: Passengers can access movies, TV shows, and other entertainment options on their personal devices or through seatback screens, and many airlines now offer Wi-Fi and other connectivity options.
Through adopting and implementing new technologies, airports are rethinking their operations to become safer, more viable, secure, and more efficient. While these digital advancements have transformed the aviation industry, they also present challenges when it comes to software and digital adoption. Businesses need to adapt to these advancements to remain competitive and provide a seamless experience for passengers.
Evolution of the Airline Industry
The airline industry has come a long way since its inception. Over the past century, airlines have dramatically improved their technology, safety standards, and customer service to become the robust industry it is today.
In 1914, they instituted the earliest commercial airline, and in 1919, it took off with its first passenger flight. The industry was largely unregulated until the Air Commerce Act of 1926, established the Department of Commerce to oversee the industry. This act also sets standards for aircraft and pilot qualifications and air traffic control.
The introduction of jets in the 1950s revolutionized air travel. Planes were much faster, could fly higher, and were more fuel efficient than their propeller counterparts. It allowed airlines to drastically reduce travel times and increase the number of routes they could offer. The deregulation of the industry in 1978 further increased competition and drove down prices.
With the influx of demand, travel, commercialization, and advancements, the travel industry has undergone a massive digital transformation in recent years. The introduction of online booking facilities, mobile apps, automated check-in, and e-tickets has made booking a flight more accessible and convenient.
Conclusion
Emirates President Tim Clark – ” A digital transformation is happening in every organization, whether they realize it or not.”
Today, airlines are investing in technologies to provide a better customer experience. There is also a strong focus on safety and security, with more rigorous screening procedures to ensure passengers have a safe and secure journey. Their employees also expect the same advancements, ease of use, and efficiency as their customers. Airlines continue to streamline manufacturing, maintenance, and operations behind the scenes with more effective oversight, process compliance, communications, and real-time data with the help of advanced software, unifying their global processes.
This transformation has profoundly impacted the airline industry, making it more efficient and customer-focused. Digital transformation has also led to smart airports that use technology to improve the traveler experience. A report from MarketsandMarkets estimates that the market for smart airports will grow from $14.9 billion in 2020 to $22.6 billion by 2025.
In the upcoming years, the airline industry will embrace the latest software trends to revolutionize how airlines do business. The upcoming part 2 of a 3-part blog post, “2023 Enterprise Software Trends in the Airline Industry,” will dive deeper into the six leading aviation systems requiring consistent evolution. It will also explore the top airline software solutions, including customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, human resources information systems, IT service management, project and portfolio management, and other airline software solutions.
The airline industry can continue to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape by staying up to date with the latest software trends and solutions.
