Aviation Trends Commonly Seen In 2021

By Author: Empire Aviation
Total Articles: 2
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2020 has been a drastic year for the aviation industry that has left the air carriers in a deep hole. With travelling restoring, things seem to become a bit back on track for the aviation industry. Therefore,, like the rest of the world, the aviation companies in UAE are quite hopeful that 2021 will be a better year for the air transport industry.

However, to make and keep this year travel friendly, the aviation sector is going through some massive transformation. New trends are surfacing. Today we’re going to highlight some of these aviation trends that you’ll be seeing a lot in 2021. Take a look at them:

Incorporation of Contactless Technology

Like other industries, the air travelling sector is also going contactless. Almost all airports across the globe are practising contactless travelling. Airlines are experimenting with different contactless techniques to make travelling more safe and secure. For instance, Etihad introduced new contactless self-service technology and Bangalore International Airport introduced an end-to-end contactless airport experience.

Availability ...
... of Online Duty-free Shops

As for almost half of last year, airports weren’t functional because there were limited or a few passenger flights; therefore, duty frees remained closed. However, like the rest of the consumer-based industries, airports are becoming more tech-savvy. And now, customers can do online purchasing of duty-free goods from the shops of various airports. This initiative is taken by AirAsia that has launched their new AirAsia Shop online platform.

Pre-Ordering and Payment of F&B

Just like contactless home deliveries of f&B i.e., food and beverages, now you can order at the airport in the same way. At the moment only a small number of airports and aviation companies are offering this service but this trend is expected to grow in 2021.

Health Passports and Vaccination Visas

Another prominent technological advancement that will become applicable this year is the use of digital health passports. Even though the concept of a digital health passport has been around for quite some time, still it needs time to become practically applicable. Currently, the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) is tirelessly working for its development and as per resources, it will be available during Q1 of 2021. IATA believes that by using digital health passports, they’ll be able to monitor and control the spread of Covid-19 more effectively.

Advancements in Self-service and The Increased Use of Biometrics
As stated above, frictionless and contactless travelling has practically become a thing due to the ongoing pandemic. Contrary to providing assistant-based services, airports and airlines are promoting self-service, to prevent the spread of the virus. Moreover, to ensure that only relevant passengers are travelling, airlines and airports are strongly emphasizing the use of biometric verification.

Since November 2020, Munich and Frankfurt airports have started using biometric identity and verification platforms for screening their passengers. Likewise, the VINCI Airports have become the first commercial airport operators in the world who have deployed biometric screening throughout their airport.

Robotics and Automation

2020 has also been a year of automation. However, because of the pandemic outbreak, it didn’t reach the heights that were planned. Therefore, this year you’ll be seeing a lot more automation as well as robots in the aviation sector. From assisting you to park your private jet for sale in one of the hangers to providing personal assistance to the elderly, everything is going to see the incorporation of robots.

How long it will take these trends to become more common and what their future looks like - only time will tell. Until then, we can only hope that life returns to normal.