Air travel – a journey of industry collaboration

In a not so far future, we will ask each other: do you remember queuing to show your boarding pass and passport at multiple check points throughout the airport? Do you remember worrying about your luggage getting lost? Technologies like biometrics, IoT, and AI will soon solve these traveler challenges, and Amadeus is leading the way in putting innovative technology in place throughout the travel industry. 

Biometrics & frictionless travel

In the field of biometrics, we have worked with several airports and airlines to run biometric boarding pilots which enable faster and smoother processes for passengers. Our pilot at Ljubljana airport saw average boarding times reduced by approximately 75%, meaning boarding took just two seconds, rather than the typical five to ten seconds per passenger. Some of the airlines we’re working with in this field are LOT Polish Airlines, and Lufthansa, to name a few.  

Beyond boarding, you could imagine a more seamless and personalized processing of the traveler while increasing security in travel touchpoints. Within Amadeus, we are indeed working on a major innovation program called Traveler ID to make frictionless travel and IATA One-ID vision a reality by simplifying the traveler’s identification throughout the entire journey thanks to a unique and certified digital identity, controlled and consented by the traveler, who will then benefit from hyper personalized services.

Internet of Things

With regards to IoT, we’re working with partners such as Sigfox to help improve end-to-end tracking solutions for the air transportation industry. Sigfox’s technology and Amadeus’ expertise in travel is a powerful combination which will help reduce costs for airlines and airports, improve operational efficiency and ultimately bring more peace of mind to travelers in terms of where their luggage is at each moment.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, and specifically machine learning is another area where technological capabilities are advancing in leaps and bounds. At Amadeus, our systems use machine learning in a myriad of ways to support our customers, such as giving airlines and other travel providers intelligent business advice. Airlines need to accurately forecast traveler demand by analyzing an enormous amount of data, and our revenue management tools are helping airlines such as SAS to achieve great results, including improving profitability.

Of course, technology in areas such as biometrics, IoT and AI is only the enabler. Real improvements in the air travel experience will come from more and better collaboration between the many parties involved in delivering the experience.  Think about airlines, airports, ground handlers, custom authorities, border control, air traffic control, jet fuel companies, catering … all working together towards the same goals: security, efficiency, and the traveler experience.

One compelling factor will incentivize the necessary collaboration. Air travel keeps growing, while runways, airports, and air space are limited. The industry needs to work as one team to make a more efficient use of the fixed resources and enable future growth. Efficient flight paths will support a greener aviation, and efficient passenger flows at the airport will deliver the seamless experience travelers are craving for. 

Collaborative decision making and the real-time sharing of data will become the new norm, as we optimize operational flows and passenger experience on the go. 

Join the movement.