Travel news
I’s been the toughest time on record for the aviation industry, with passenger numbers plummeting, flight schedules heavily reduced and planes left idle on runways.
However, most major airlines are soldiering on and looking forward to brighter times.
Using the pandemic pause to take stock, many of the industry’s highest flyers have enhanced aircraft and reshaped protocols to offer customers a safer, greener and comfier time in the sky. Here are some of the changes in store…
Survival of the fittest
“From the ashes of much of aviation, green shoots will grow,” says Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency.
“There will be consolidation as some airlines disappear, or are bought by larger players who have the cash. It will be out with the old and in with the new, as loved aircraft like the 747 and A380 are retired from airline fleets, and replaced by the more sustainable and cleaner A321LR and 737 Max aircraft.”
Digital revolution
“Whether it’s fully touchless boarding or app only in-flight food and drink services – the traveller experience, from check-in to departure, will continue to be digitalised,” says Hugh Aitken, flights vice president at Skyscanner. “New cabin classes are already emerging, like Emirates’ premium economy, as airlines look to lower the barriers to premium travel, to encourage frequent flyers back.”
Pointing the way
Airmiles have always been notoriously tricky to accrue and spend, but all that is set to change. British Airways announced a partnership with Nectar, giving customers an opportunity to convert points accumulated on supermarket shopping into Avios for future trips or spends with other Nectar partners.
Private jet growth
“Travellers are looking to avoid shared or crowded spaces, and to fill the gaps left by commercial airline disruption,” says Adam Twidell, CEO of private jet provider PrivateFly.
Although traditionally favoured by the rich and famous, Twidell insists there are options to accommodate a growing middle market. “On-demand private charter is perfect for those flying occasionally, but for five or more flights a year, options such as jet cards, funds on account or fractional ownership start to become very attractive.”