Shaping the industry for the next 30 years
The aviation industry has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,
with revenues dropping by 60% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, the crisis also
presents an opportunity for the sector to reinvent itself and adapt to the new realities
of travel.
Here are some of the key trends that will shape the future of aviation in the next 30 years
Airports are expected to evolve in the next 30 years to meet the changing needs and expectations of travelers, as well as to reduce their environmental impact and enhance their competitiveness.Some of the trends that will shape the airports of 2030, 2040, and 2050 include achieving net zero emissions, technological innovation, intermodal connectivity, the changing workforce, and the passenger experience revolution.
Airports are now slowly, but surely, coming out of the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We see some healthy and positive numbers where passenger demand and revenues are almost reaching 2019 record year levels.
Airports now see opportunities to adapt and recover, introducing new technologies, improving operational efficiency, and diversifying their revenue streams.
Airports will also benefit from some emerging technologies that will enhance their performance and customer satisfaction in 202X. Some of these technologies include biometrics, artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, augmented reality, smart sensors, cloud computing, 5G, and Internet of Things.
Hydrogen-powered planes. One of the biggest challenges for aviation is to reduce its environmental impact, as it currently accounts for 3.6% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel that could enable zero-emission flights and lower operating costs. Some experts predict that hydrogen-powered planes could enter the market as soon as 2035, and carry hundreds more passengers per flight than traditional planes.
New wing designs. Another way to improve the efficiency and performance of aircraft is to rethink the conventional wing design. Some of the innovations being explored include blended wing bodies, which integrate the wing and the fuselage into a single unit; delta wings, which are used on high-speed jets; and flying V planes, which have passenger cabins along each side of a V-shaped aircraft. These designs could offer up to 20% more fuel efficiency than current models. Futuristic cabin design. As airlines seek to maximize the number of passengers they can accommodate without compromising comfort, they may adopt new cabin layouts and features. For example, some carriers are considering double-decker economy seats that provide more space and privacy for travelers; others are experimenting with modular cabins that can be customized according to different needs and preferences.
Air taxis. For short-distance trips, air taxis could offer a fast and convenient way to get around urban areas. Air taxis are small electric or hybrid aircraft that can take off and land vertically, and operate autonomously or with minimal human intervention. They could reduce traffic congestion, noise pollution, and carbon emissions in cities. Several companies are developing air taxi prototypes, and some expect to launch commercial services by 2025.
Digital transformation. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in aviation, both for enhancing customer experience and optimizing operations. For example, mobile apps will be used to store travelers' vaccine certificates and COVID-19 test results, as well as to enable contactless check-in, boarding, and payment. Artificial intelligence will be used to analyze data and provide insights for improving safety, efficiency, and profitability.
The future of aviation is full of challenges and opportunities, as the industry strives to recover from the pandemic and meet the changing demands and expectations of travelers. By embracing innovation and sustainability, aviation can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.