These range from Google (already playing around the margins of distribution for many years), through Amazon, Facebook, Alibaba, and include any number of online operations whose main businesses have morphed into data aggregators, all highly skilled in interpreting personalised needs.
They do not in fact even need to enter the direct supply chain; the information they hold can be priceless for airlines and, sooner or later, priceless will convert to a price payable. Any new Blockchain technology provider could redefine how we look at a variety of processes throughout the aviation ecosystem from passenger and operational data, to loyalty, baggage tracking, MRO, security and distribution.
But the potential for airlines to disrupt their own pricing systems is also vast. With new decade diagnostics, there are immense data sources that can be used to finesse revenue management strategies. But questions remain. Can the airline's downstream systems - which are usually ageing - cope with the available data volumes? And can management grasp the need to invest in upgrading this technology?
At the moment the old bits of technology "work" to perform the old functions, but they don't allow for grasping the opportunity that new data sources can offer. For those who can get it right, the rewards are potentially immense.
As one of the discussion topics at the forthcoming Airline Leader Summit: Making Money 2020, CAPA - Centre for Aviation will explore this subject and especially look at what disruptors are driving new traveller behaviours, the technologies that are on the precipice of disrupting, how airlines can realign their strategies and whether they should invest in their own technologies or partner with established brands.
CAPA's Global Airline Outlook for the 2020s predicted that at some stage during the first half of the decade there will also be an economic downturn, possibly very substantial. On historical trends it is already well overdue and there is little to predict just how great the scope will be. With such a downturn seemingly inevitable, how will airlines continue to be profitable? The answer may lie in technology.
As the foremost authority on aviation in the world, CAPA's events provide cutting edge knowledge about strategic market trends and dynamics to help attendees make informed decisions, delivering the information and connections needed to inspire and improve business. The CAPA Airline Leader Summit is back for another at the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa in County Wicklow, taking place between 1-2 April 2020.
The summit will examine key commercial and operational issues affecting airlines and airports in Europe focusing on both domestic issues and growth prospects in key international markets. CAPA will challenge leaders of the aviation industry to reflect on what is needed to drive the industry forward, using examples of innovation in outside markets as a benchmark to follow.
The CAPA Airline Leader Summit: Making Money 2020 seeks to tap into the dynamic changes taking place in the airline industry in this part of the world and address the issues in creative and authoritative ways.
This event, hosted again at the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa in County Wicklow, to the south of Dublin, is a forum for debate and discussion of this strategic issue within the aviation industry and it is attracting delegate interest from across the globe. It is a must attend for those seeking to do business in Europe, where they can gain first-hand inspiration from airlines, LCCs, airports, travel technology providers, OEMs and financiers.
FIND OUT MORE… visit the CAPA Airline Leader Summit: Making Money 2020 homepage to find out more about this not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss relevant issues impacting the aviation sector and learn meaningful insights from your industry peers.
