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Invite colleaguesPassenger terminal development in the digital age
Abstract
It is undeniable that we are in the midst of a digital revolution that holds the promise to reinvent the entire air travel experience. The 21st century is being defined by pervasive digitisation and is characterised by disruptive and transformative processes that are underway in virtually every industry. Digital trends such as (1) social media, (2) the sharing economy, (3) hyper-personalised connectivity and (4) the Internet of Things are already transforming travel. In addition, it is forecast that air travel demand will double in the next 15 years. This new digital age presents the opportunity to not only reinvent the travel experience, but also to develop solutions that result in cost-effective capital expenditure and optimise existing infrastructure. Unfortunately, there is a general lack of a coordinated mindset that puts the passenger first. The air transport sector needs to move away from the legacy of organisations that exhibit entrenched ‘tribalism’ and self-interest. Airports, airlines and government agencies need to collaboratively begin to identify and utilise the technological opportunities that are now becoming available. To achieve this will require a level of trust and sharing of data to even begin the process of innovation. Though digital solutions are being developed at an airport-by-airport level, to achieve any meaningful change in the global air travel system will require global solutions involving truly collaborative initiatives. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges faced by airport operators in redefining the passenger terminal aligned to the 21st century digital age.
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Author's Biography
Jim Robinson is Managing Director of Pegasus Aviation Advisors, a boutique strategic advisory group, and has over 25 years of experience in the planning and development of aviation infrastructure projects. The majority of his experience has been in international airport development encompassing strategic planning, airport master planning, capital programme development and investment risk analysis. In addition, he leads NexTerm, an innovation research effort in the use of advanced technology to improve airport efficiency and passenger experience. He has practical experience working at senior management level serving as Head of Strategic Planning at Dubai International Airport as well as Head of Planning at Abu Dhabi International Airport. In addition, he has a broad background in providing subject matter expertise and advisory services to airport operators, investors and technology companies on projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the USA.