HOW AIR TRAVEL CAN LEVERAGE DATA IN MOTION

It is a challenge for the travel sector to transition from traditional methods, where data is stored statically, to data in motion.

It is no secret that the worldwide travel sector had its wings severely clipped by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the industry is showing impressive signs of recovery, with flight bookings rocketing and the World Travel and Tourism Council predicting a confident return for the sector.

But as the travel industry takes off once more, there are plenty of challenges ahead for the sector. In the past weeks, some global airports and airlines have struggled to keep pace with the rise in bookings, plagued with major problems such as queues, cancellations, and delays.

Some airport operators and airlines have used the time during the sector’s downturn wisely, updating legacy back-office systems and using data and smart technology to get ahead of the pack. Those still using legacy systems can find themselves unable to respond quickly to changing demand and rising customer numbers.

The travel industry holds enormous amounts of data, which can be used to optimise the travel experience and support growth in the sector. But data is often siloed across different areas and systems in the business, rendering it almost useless when it comes to using insights from the data to rapidly make decisions.

Collecting the data is not the problem –harnessing it and bringing it to life requires integrated systems and technology. Only then

Key Takeaways

l Called the Hub Monitor, this system enables Emirates to use data insights in real time to focus on the tasks needed to prepare an airplane for departure.

l The proactive alert system is speeding up turnaround times and boosting the customer experience.

l Integrated data and AI-driven analytics tools have enabled Etihad to enhance several areas of the business.

l Insightful forecasting and modelling has made it possible for Etihad to optimise ground staffing levels and better handle passengers.

can businesses use data to react nimbly and responsively in real time.

Like many other industries, it is a challenge for the travel sector to transition from traditional methods, where data is stored statically, to data in motion – where it is integrated, accurate and always up to date. It can then be used in real time to enable brands to respond quickly, flexibly, and smartly.

Major airport hubs such as Dubai, Los Angeles and Heathrow are not simply there to facilitate air travel. The airport is all part of the experience, hosting dining, hospitality and retail venues to service huge numbers of travellers. Operators and the brands within the space all need to glean insights from data to improve the customer experience and assist with growth.

The travel business is immediate. People book and buy things quickly. If data analytics do not work just as – or more – quickly, businesses will lose out. Right across the chain, from online sales to supply chains, and from retail to aircrafts, data needs to be unlocked and insights gained. And not only that, it needs to be done quickly. No business has the luxury of time when it comes to delivering data-driven upgrades. Without it, businesses will find themselves quickly falling behind.

No one who has travelled over the past few weeks could be unaware of the travel chaos besieging the industry, with some of the biggest headaches being delayed flights. Slow turnaround times contribute to all kinds of knock-on problems, from delayed flights to missed landing slots and unhappy customers.

Called the Hub Monitor, this clever system enables Emirates’ team in Dubai to use data insights in real time to focus on the tasks needed to prepare an airplane for departure. The proactive alert system is speeding up turnaround times and boosting the customer experience.

Etihad Airways is also utilising data science tools to support operational improvements. Integrated data and AI-driven analytics tools have enabled Etihad to enhance several areas of the business. Insightful forecasting and modelling has made it possible for Etihad to optimise ground staffing levels and better handle passengers.

They are also able to respond more efficiently and more quickly to customer emails. This digital transformation has improved the customer experience as well as bringing about business benefits such as better productivity and cost savings.

The travel industry has finally got its wings once more, though this is not without its challenges. All airlines and airport operators should follow the lead of airlines such as Emirates and Etihad to help speed the recovery of the sector, improve the customer experience and optimise business growth. n