In a groundbreaking report, SITA, the multinational information technology company specializing in air transport communications, has unveiled the seismic shifts occurring in the travel and transport industry.
The "Meet the Megatrends" report focuses on the rapidly evolving technological landscape and forecasts key trends that will shape the industry until 2033.
The most notable revelation is the meteoric rise of Generative AI, which has quickly become a focal point for airlines and airports.
According to the report, 97 percent of airlines are gearing up to develop programs integrating Generative AI technology. This surpasses the previous spotlight on the Metaverse in 2022.
Patrik Svensson Gillstedt, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Growth Enablement at SITA, emphasizes: "It's an exciting time for travel with new technologies transforming our industry at previously unseen rates."
Digital travel and biometric identity take center stage
Digital Travel is continuing to grow, propelled by the emergence of digital identities. SITA's Air Transport IT Insights for 2023 projects that by the end of 2026, 82 percent of airlines will utilize biometric-enabled digital identity technologies for aircraft boarding.
Additionally, 67 percent of airlines would adopt contactless methods while 50 percent of them implementing single-token systems.
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has become a hot topic, with significant interest from airlines and airports alike. The report predicts a substantial increase in investments, skyrocketing from $5 billion in 2022 to an estimated $28 billion in 2030.
Increased demand for short-range routes, advancements in battery and electric propulsion systems, and the industry's commitment to reducing carbon footprints are driving the rapid evolution of UAM.
Paris' electric air taxi service
Highlighting the practical implications of UAM, Paris is on the brink of launching an electric air taxi service, potentially debuting during the 2024 Olympic Games.
This initiative underscores the tangible progress in aligning technology with real-world applications, providing a glimpse into the future of transportation.
Furthermore, the report delves into the collaborative efforts in the aviation sector to advance AI, machine learning, and computer vision.
Data from SITA's 2023 IT Insights indicates that 86 percent of airlines actively work with innovation partners to advance these technologies. Notably, 39 percent of these advancements have already been implemented, with an additional 47 percent confirming plans by the end of 2026.
Seamless multimodal travel and aging travelers
The report anticipates a significant demographic shift with an increasing number of aging travelers. By 2030, the travel industry is expected to offer specialized technological solutions to support this demographic.
Furthermore, seamless multimodal travel with single verification and processing points is set to emerge over the next seven years, enhancing the overall travel experience.
SITA's report envisions the increasing presence of autonomous robots, equipment, and mobility vehicles at airports, facilitated by advancements in 5G and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, it forecasts the automation of the Travel Chain Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) processes through blockchain technology, promising significant gains in efficiency, safety, and cost savings.
SITA's "Meet the Megatrends" report provides a comprehensive overview of the transformative forces reshaping the travel and transport industry.
As the sector embraces generative AI, UAM, and digital innovations, the next decade promises a dynamic and revolutionary journey for travelers worldwide.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article