The aviation industry is driving digital transformation

Quick access to quantity of information led to a global society

The digital revolution, which began almost a quarter of a century ago, has had a huge impact on everyone’s lifestyle. Almost instantaneous access to a vast quantity of information, wherever you are in the world or however you access it, has led to a global society that is open to the entire world. The availability of online services has enabled consumers to target their needs very precisely and they can find the product that best meets their expectations with far greater ease. At the same time, companies have implemented tools that allow them to analyse the vast quantities of information collected via orders, questions and information about their customers so as to to fine tune their offer.

The world of aviation and space is on the front line of this revolution. It must adapt to the increasingly high standards set by its customers throughout the value chain, and manage the arrival of new players who can offer breakthrough solutions based on new forms of digital technology. There are many strategic challenges to face. But all the players in air transport, business aviation, and civil and military aeronautics are also beneficiaries of this transformation.

The growing value of Big Data, a growth lever for air transport players

A new business model that develops and monetises the Big Data

Using new information technology, this sector, in complementing its core business, is now committed to using a new business model that develops and monetises the Big Data in its possession. Information about how long passengers stay in each country, how much they spend on reservations, their nationalities and destinations, hotel stays or car rentals booked online, in addition to flight bookings, and so on. All these elements are sources of data that can be sold to many different companies and administrative bodies who are looking to adapt their business accordingly. Confronted by an economy of sharing and collaboration gaining growing market share, with the appearance of players such as AirBnB and Uber, traditional tourism players (hotels, car rental companies, etc.) are keen to acquire information that will help them to remain competitive. A real possibility for growth is now available and it is developing exponentially.

In parallel, the requirement for in-flight entertainment, the need to offer passengers constant and more personalised options, as well as full access to telephones, internet and the ability to continue carrying out their personal or business affairs during flights, poses huge technical challenges.