The second edition of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS 2020), which is stated to take place on January 27-29, will highlight top aviation trends in 2020 and beyond, with a focus on the need to develop strategies that help pump more investments into the aviation sector and support the growth and sustainability of global economy.
Themed “Enabling global aviation growth through fundraising and key partnerships”, GIAS 2020 will bring together over 1400 participants, including industry experts, aviation representatives and investors from all over the world, to network and share valuable insights and expertise.
Organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the three-days event aims to offer a platform for industry leaders, experts and investors to examine the latest aviation industry trends and develop the necessary mechanisms to encourage propelling more investments into this rapidly growing sector.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said “Investment in aviation is not only limited to developing airports and purchasing a new fleet of aircraft. New investment trends in the airline industry rely heavily on the use of modern technology to upgrade air transport services, ensure the comfort of passengers and expand airline operations by reaching new destinations and achieving greater connectivity with the world.”
Al Suwaidi underlined the importance of organising GIAS in providing an environment conducive to key decision makers around the world to hold discussions and conduct deals. GIAS will examine the latest aviation data, both facts and figures, and explore opportunities available in emerging markets. The summit will also discuss new business models and trends that will reshape the global aviation industry.
Reflecting on global trends focusing on customer’s experience, passengers will have more options than ever before to personalise their flight experience on board and at the airport, where customer satisfaction is the focus of attention by airlines.
In keeping with efforts being exerted to improve customer experience, some airports and airlines have begun working on plans to implement Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) both in the terminal and on-flight. To ensure customer satisfaction, several airlines are now placing VR headsets in airport lounges while many others offer them for their passengers to watch films on-flight.
Moreover, virtual reality is being used to help those who are afraid of flying by creating a tranquil visual flight environment, in addition to training cabin crew and new pilots with VR and AR software. Airlines today offer Aircraft maintenance training for their new technicians and engineers with software tools that provide an artificial detailed view inside a jet engine that enables them to examine individual aircraft parts.
As digital technologies continue to transform the industry and reshape consumer experience, many commercial airlines are making the move into the digital market beyond websites. As apps have been a key component of modern business for several years, airline apps are the next logical step for smart brands, especially that 98% of airline passengers carry at least one device. With reward schemes, online check-in and e-tickets, airline apps aim to simplify and streamline the flight process.
The global airline industry is stepping up its efforts and investments into sustainability as it is also recognized among the top aviation trends. The aviation sector is currently testing biofuels, striving to design lighter airframe components and considering industry carbon footprint taxes. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are also investing in methods to reduce aircraft fuel consumption.
In the pursuit of green aviation, industry leaders and governments now prioritize reduction of waste and environmental impact, though green aircraft may have a negative impact on travelling costs.
