Here's how you can stay ahead in the airport industry by embracing change and innovation.

Whereas IoT technology may bring many advantages for automating passenger processes and elevating the passenger experience, it creates new challenges in terms of vulnerability for cyber attacs and other spoofing attemps. In the light of a stiffer regulatory environment (such as the NIS2 regulation), airports need to create new controls frameworks in order to maintain a high level of security and resilience. This relates not only to airports, but all other operators of critical infrastructure, such as sea ports and railway networks.

Here's how you can stay ahead in the airport industry by embracing change and innovation: Emphasize continuous adaptation to technological advancements and industry trends. Foster a culture of creativity and openness to new ideas among staff and stakeholders. Collaborate with tech startups and industry experts to explore innovative solutions for operational challenges. Implement sustainable practices and passenger-friendly technologies to enhance the airport experience. Stay informed about regulatory changes and market developments to anticipate future needs. By embracing change and innovation, you can position your airport for long-term success and leadership in the dynamic aviation industry.

There will be a need to invent new value propositions to address the needs of changing traveler mindsets - and to differentiate from the competition. On the plane, new cabin layouts, reduced seating capacities will be defining the frame conditions and economies for these developments. At the airports, maximizing passenger and employee safety and introducing touchless concepts will be guiding principles. Traditional in-flight hospitality might disappear like an outdated fossil from jet-set days just like smoking in the cabins disappeared 20 years ago.

1. Solar Power: Install solar panels to generate clean energy, cut electricity bills, and reduce emissions. 2. Waste Management: Implement recycling and composting to minimize landfill waste and lower disposal costs. 3. Water Conservation: Use low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting to reduce water use and expenses. 4. Carbon Footprint: Use electric ground support equipment and sustainable fuels to decrease emissions. 5. Invest in green tech for long-term savings on energy, water, and waste. 6. Attract eco-conscious travelers by showing commitment to sustainability. 7. Regulatory Compliance: Meet environmental regulations and gain government incentives. 8. Enhance relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

After the devastating experience of the pandemic, change will come to every corner of the terminals, the lounges, the gates, the cabins, and it will span the currently known concepts of hospitality in airports and on board. In short, behaviour and mindsets of people will change. Self-protection over self-pampering will be the reflex of many, if not all airline passengers for many months or years to come. In addition, airlines, their service providers and airports will need to find out new ways to safeguard the health of their employees plus define a completely new regime for maintaining safe social distances in terminal areas and confined cabin spaces.

Modern Airports can Stay Ahead by Fostering a Collaborative Culture 1. Encourage Partnerships: Work with airlines, government agencies, and service providers to share insights and resources. 2. Improve Passenger Flow: Collaborate to develop innovative solutions for smoother passenger movement. 3. Reduce Delays: Joint efforts can identify and address delay causes more effectively. 4. Optimize Resources: Shared strategies can enhance resource allocation and efficiency. 5. Enhance Resilience: A united approach to problem-solving boosts operational adaptability and resilience. Fostering a collaborative culture drives innovation, improves efficiency, and strengthens airport operations.

A promising path for the reconfiguration of the airport/aviation business model is to join forces across conventional industry borders and holistically review vertical integration, especially in IT and in the back office. A critical view needs to be put on future competitive differentiation in the light of changed industry economics (and scales). New forms of cross-industry collaboration involving new partners and technology need to be explored and brought to life in order to provide more resilient, flexible and economic aviation related services for the future.