The future of travel is rapidly transforming due to innovations in technology, and air travel is no exception. The airlines embracing technology and using it to improve their operation are proving to be the most successful, and it'll only become more important for airlines to become more tech-savvy in the future. Here are a few ways airlines are utilizing technology to improve workflow and operations

Biometrics

When you get to the airport, what processes are you expecting to take the most time? Generally, the most time-consuming part of getting onto your flight will be standing in line for security, where you'll have to show documents and then go through the TSA process. Using biometrics and advanced workflow processes like a BMS system, airports can streamline the check-in experience for participating flyers. Facial recognition technology, for example, could eliminate the need for showing identification entirely.

Robotics and Automation

Generally, when you think of automated transport, you think of automated cars. While fully automatic cars are not yet a commonplace form of transportation, automation is being used all the time in the airline industry. From luggage transportation to baggage handling, robotics are being used by airlines all over the world to increase efficiency and decrease common errors that can occur around the baggage process.

In the future, you may begin to see automated vehicles and drones being used in airports. Don't worry, your airplane is still going to be manned by pilots. But it's very likely that your cross-airport transportation could become automated in the future. There's so much potential for robotics in airports because of the fact that airlines operate on a tight schedule. Anyone who has had a flight delayed or canceled for time-related issues will agree that airports could stand to be more time-efficient.

AI and Machine Learning

In addition, anyone who has had a flight cancelled while they're in line for TSA or already at their gate would love to have been notified of that cancellation a little earlier. Airports struggle to notify flyers of disruptions because there are often too many moving parts to fully decide whether or not there will be a delay or cancellation until immediately before the flight is supposed to take off. Using AI and machine learning, however, airlines may be able to drastically change that reality.

Utilizing millions of data points via machine learning, airline workers could receive information that allows them to make decisions. In addition, they can notify flyers in real-time about delays or disruptions in their flight schedule. Enabling airline workers to do their jobs more efficiently and make decisions confidently will transform the entire experience of flying for many passengers.

Virtual Reality

You might be used to the concept of VR being applied for entertainment purposes, but it has tons of practical purposes for many industries. Airlines can utilize VR in the future to monitor the cabin of a plane for things like increased security and real-time seat sales. VR can also be used for training new crew members and visualizing the use of new products or equipment for the airline. And, of course, it could be used for further in-flight entertainment options. You may end up seeing VR applied in many different areas, and flying is no exception.

Sustainability Efforts

Because air travel is a leading cause of carbon emissions, it falls to airlines to make positive changes that offset whatever detriment they cause to the environment. Becoming carbon-neutral is more than a trend in airlines - it's becoming a necessity. As a result, you may begin to see a lot less single-use plastics and waste in general in airports and on flights. More lightweight options will be implemented to save on fuel, including better designs for seats and equipment. If you're a frequent flyer, you should be prepared to see a lot of changes in your flying experience in the next few years.