How Technology and Innovation are Changing Air Tourism

Air tourism is one of the most dynamic and exciting sectors of the travel industry, as it offers travelers the opportunity to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and enjoy breathtaking views. However, air tourism is also facing many challenges, such as environmental impact, safety, security, and customer satisfaction. To overcome these challenges and meet the changing needs and expectations of travelers, the air tourism industry is constantly adopting new technologies and innovations that are reshaping the way we fly. In this article, we will explore some of the most promising developments that are transforming air tourism.

Biometric and Contactless Travel

Biometric and contactless travel are technologies that use biological or electronic features to identify and authenticate travelers, eliminating the need for physical documents or touchpoints. Biometric and contactless travel can enhance the security, efficiency, and convenience of air travel, by reducing queues, errors, and fraud, as well as improving the health and safety of travelers and staff. Biometric and contactless travel are already in use in some airports and airlines, such as in Shanghai, Dubai, and Singapore¹².

Some of the examples of biometric and contactless travel are:

• The FacePass system in China, which uses facial recognition to allow travelers to board flights without scanning a QR code or ID card¹.
• The Smart Tunnel system in Dubai, which uses iris scanning to enable travelers to pass through immigration without stopping or showing their passport¹.
• The SITA Smart Path system in Singapore, which uses facial recognition to enable travelers to check in, drop their bags, pass through immigration, and board their flight using their face as their boarding pass².

Electric and Sustainable Aviation

Electric and sustainable aviation are technologies that use alternative sources of energy, such as electricity, hydrogen, or biofuels, to power aircraft, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases. Electric and sustainable aviation can improve the environmental and economic performance of air tourism, by lowering the carbon footprint, noise, and operating costs of aircraft. Electric and sustainable aviation are still in the development stage, but some airlines and manufacturers are already testing and implementing them, such as in Germany, France, and China³⁴.

Some of the examples of electric and sustainable aviation are:

• The Coradia iLint, the first hydrogen fuel cell train to enter commercial service, which started running in Germany in 2018. The Coradia iLint can reach a speed of 140 km/h and travel up to 1,000 km on a single tank of hydrogen. The hydrogen is stored in tanks on the roof of the train, and the fuel cells are located under the floor. The electricity generated by the fuel cells is used to power the electric motors that drive the wheels, and the excess electricity is stored in batteries for later use. The only emission from the train is water vapor³.
• The E-Fan X, a hybrid-electric aircraft project by Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of electric propulsion for commercial aviation. The E-Fan X will replace one of the four jet engines of a BAe 146 aircraft with a 2 MW electric motor, powered by a generator and batteries. The E-Fan X is expected to fly in 2021, and pave the way for more electric and hybrid aircraft in the future⁴.
• The H55, a Swiss company that produces electric propulsion systems for light aircraft, such as trainers, air taxis, and drones. The H55 has developed the Bristell Energic, an electric two-seater aircraft that can fly for 90 minutes on a single charge, and can be recharged in less than an hour. The H55 aims to make electric aviation more accessible and affordable, and to reduce the noise and pollution of air travel⁴.

Immersive and Personalized Experiences

Immersive and personalized experiences are technologies that use artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, or gamification to create interactive and customized experiences for travelers, both on the ground and in the air. Immersive and personalized experiences can enhance the entertainment, education, and engagement of air tourism, by offering travelers more choices, information, and fun. Immersive and personalized experiences are becoming more popular and diverse, as airports and airlines are investing in them, such as in London, Amsterdam, and Singapore²⁴.

Some of the examples of immersive and personalized experiences are:

• The Inflight VR system, a virtual reality platform that allows travelers to enjoy various content, such as games, movies, or destination guides, using VR headsets on board. The Inflight VR system is currently available on some flights of Iberia, Eurowings, and Jin Air, and aims to provide travelers with a more immersive and enjoyable inflight experience⁴.
• The Schiphol Airport App, a mobile app that uses augmented reality to help travelers navigate the airport, find their gate, and access various services and facilities. The Schiphol Airport App also uses artificial intelligence to provide travelers with personalized information and recommendations, such as flight updates, baggage tips, and shopping offers².
• The Changi Experience Studio, an interactive attraction that showcases the history, operations, and innovations of Changi Airport, using gamification, projection, and sound. The Changi Experience Studio allows travelers to learn more about the airport, play various games, and earn rewards, using a personal device called the Travel Guide. The Changi Experience Studio is located at the Jewel Changi Airport, a mixed-use complex that features a hotel, a mall, and a rainforest².

Conclusion

Air tourism is one of the most dynamic and exciting sectors of the travel industry, as it offers travelers the opportunity to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and enjoy breathtaking views. However, air tourism is also facing many challenges, such as environmental impact, safety, security, and customer satisfaction. To overcome these challenges and meet the changing needs and expectations of travelers, the air tourism industry is constantly adopting new technologies and innovations that are reshaping the way we fly. Biometric and contactless travel, electric and sustainable aviation, and immersive and personalized experiences are some of the most promising developments that are transforming air tourism.