Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports – Keynote interview
Last month at World Aviation Festival the CEO Dubai Airports joined Ben Thompson for an interview. In just 15-minutes, Paul Griffiths answered questions on a wide range of topics in depth. Thought-provoking, relevant, and perceptive this interview with the Dubai Airports CEO is packed with insight.
Firstly, the pair discuss Dubai’s rapid pandemic recovery and the factor which Paul attributes to their success. The positive changes that emerged from the adversities of COVID-19 are also identified, looking especially at the pandemic as a catalyst for the adoption of biometric technology. This interview covers significant ground discussing a range of themes from the importance of aviation to the challenges of being a hub.
Sean Donohue, CEO DFW Airport Board’s interview is mentioned in this interview, watch this here.
Technology and reaching net-zero by 2050. An interview with Yann Cabaret, CEO SITA FOR AIRCRAFT
At the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, Yann Cabaret CEO SITA FOR AIRCRAFT talked about sustainability and technology in this five-minute interview.
SITA FOR AIRCRAFT has “a focus on enabling safe, efficient and sustainable aircraft operations, providing systems, data, and applications to customers across the world.”
The interview’s discussion was constructed around these three questions:
What would you say the most important factors will be for reaching the net zero by 2050 target?
Can you name any collaborations or partnerships within the industry which have been particularly effective with regards to sustainability?
Which exciting upcoming trends will we be seeing surrounding technology in the next five years?
The scope of the interview was purposely reduced to a maximum of five years into the future. This allowed the discussion to be predominantly centred around existing technology and the steps that must be taken right now. Although looking forward is important, this must not detract from progress that can be made today.
Yann highlighted this in the interview saying:
“We aren’t waiting for someone to invent something huge that doesn’t exist. There is technology today, let’s make sure we use it properly.”
That said, Yann pointed out there are many developments which will play a significant role in the push for sustainability that have not yet come to fruition.
With regards to how sustainability could be achieved, Yann suggested a diverse array of initiatives would be required, including but not limited to:
Lighter aircraft
Sustainable fuel
Efficient engines
Hydrogen technology
The message from the SITA FOR AIRCRAFT CEO was inspiring, emphasising the measures that can and should be taken right now to “leverage what exists today.”
One of the ways SITA’s technology has been used to improve aircraft sustainability is through SITA OptiClimb® technology. This optimisation technology can save up to five per-cent of fuel per trip. Calculations estimate an annual reduction of carbon emissions by 5.6 million tons if every airline used this SITA technology. Singapore Airlines recently deployed this technology, read more here.
Keynote CEO panel: As airports rescale following the pandemic, how can they rebuild to a smarter future whilst prioritising innovation and sustainability?
This 45-minute panel was hosted at the World Aviation Festival in October. Moderated by BBC Journalist Ben Thompson, the discussion involved these prominent leaders from the airport industry:
Sean Donohue, CEO DFW Airport Board
Julia Simpson, President and CEO WTTC
Julie Shainock, Global Leader Travel and Transportation Industry, Microsoft
Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports
Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO Brisbane Airport
Ben expertly moderated with the session covering the current state of the industry as well as expectations for the near and distant future.
One of the topics discussed in depth was the issue of passenger confidence and how to increase predictability to enhance passenger experience. Here, the panel had differing opinions on the severity of the problem however they offered the same broad solution. Developing from this topic the panel explored data and how real time data is currently shared with passengers as well as plans for the next few years.
Inevitably, technology was woven into the entirety of the discourse. When explicitly addressing technology, the conversation explored how to “do more with less” to prevent spending on technology from draining companies. The more distant future was also explored alongside a moment of introspection, looking at how tech has changed lives in unexpected ways.
The final predominant theme was sustainability. Here the panel explained how they interpret sustainability and how to grow sustainably. There was discussion on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Hydrogen.
In the 45-minutes, the panellists also touched upon advice for start-ups to help get noticed, eVTOL aircrafts, security technology, digital twins, the metaverse, smart buildings, and more.
At last month’s World Aviation Festival, John Strickland interviewed Birgir Jonsson, CEO of start-up airline PLAY.
PLAY is an Icelandic low-cost airline, founded in 2019 by executives from WOW Air. Only running for 1.5 years, the airline has already weathered one of the toughest periods in aviation history.
In the short, 15-minute interview, Birgir explores the benefits of starting in such tough conditions, explains the traps that often catch start-ups, and discusses how the airline has prepared for the next wave of challenges.
Additionally, the PLAY CEO discusses the airline’s model and how their niche enables them to remain laser focused on costs. Other points of discussion include PLAY’s expansion plans, lessons learned from WOW air, and getting the attention of investors.
Sean Donohue, CEO DFW Airport Board – Keynote interview
The Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport Board CEO joined Ben Thompson for a keynote interview on ‘Reimagining business models and reinvigorating innovation tactics to meet unprecedented sustainability targets by 2030’ at the World Aviation Festival.
In this 10-minute interview, Sean explained the mindset allowing the airport’s remarkable response to COVID-19 as well as the key to the airport’s innovative sustainability solutions.
Casting his mind back to scenario planning, Sean told the interviewer, “We never anticipated this [the pandemic].” Despite not having a crystal ball, the airport had extraordinary foresight. Reflecting on previous dramatic changes to the industry, including 9/11, the conclusion was reached that travel would eventually recover. Holding this view, no staff were laid off or furloughed, small businesses were taken into account, and conversations were had with the airport’s partners. As the industry recovers, DFW have given themselves a head start with their approach during the crisis.
Looking at the airport’s sustainability track record and ambitious future, Sean broke it down simply.
From a practical perspective: It is good business. For further detail on this see the interview with the VP Environmental Affairs & Sustainability at DFW, Robert Horton ‘Sustainability is complimentary to good business.’
As a steward: It is the right thing to do.
But importantly, innovation can be also fun. In the interview Sean outlines some of the exciting sustainability initiatives and technology helping the airport on their journey to Net Zero by 2030.
Interview with Daniel Friedli, Travel in Motion – The APAC distribution landscape is “progressing but conservative”
In anticipation of the upcoming Aviation Festival Asia, Daniel Friedli answered some questions relating to distribution, new distribution capability (NDC), ONE Order, and the transition to modern retailing in the region.
Daniel is a Managing Director and Partner at Travel in Motion, a company which, with their partner Oystin Advisory, has years of experience bridging the gap between GDS business, the vendor, and the airline.
In this twenty-five-minute interview Daniel gave his perspective on the huge topic that is distribution in the Asia-Pacific region. Tackling this extensive subject, the Travel in Motion Partner identified areas of variation across the region providing a useful overview of the transformation, uptake, and challenges. Additionally, Daniel highlighted catalysts and barriers to change in the region, shedding light on the current landscape and cautiously drawing comparisons against other areas of the globe.
An important takeaway from the discussion was that many of these changes are costly and have repercussions that must be considered before integrating new systems. With all the future facing conversations concerning implementing updated systems, the complexities and costs around successfully installing new technology and systems cannot be understated.
The full list of questions asked is:
Could you give an overview of the distribution landscape in Asia?
Would you say the distribution is an area in which airlines are slightly hamstrung by legacy systems?
How have we seen COVID-19 impact the APAC region and how is this different to the rest of the world?
Can you explain the transformative impact NDC has had on distribution in the industry.
In what ways does NDC uptake vary from region to region?
ONE Order is still in its early stages, how do you see this developing in Asia?
Have there been problems transitioning to modern retailing with offer and order technology?
Why is it such an important time for the Asian aviation market to meet and discuss challenges in the industry?
What are you looking forward to at Aviation Festival Asia
Keynote Digital Product Panel: How do airlines create end-to-end digital products and services that can compete with other industries?
At World Aviation Festival in October, a panel of specialists gathered to discuss ‘How do airlines create end-to-end digital products and services that can compete with other industries?’
The panel was chaired by Henry Harteveldt and included:
Rogier Van Enk, SVP Customer Engagement, Finnair
Mark Nasr, SVP Marketing, eCommerce, Products, Air Canada
Kevin Macfarland, Managing Director, Digital Platforms & UX, American Airlines
Kevin Clark, CEO, Bluebox Ltd
Juliana Rios, Chief Information and Digital Officer, LATAM Airlines
Robert Mulet, eCommerce and Ancillaries Director, Avianca
The well-rounded panel held a wide variety of perspectives, visions, and suggestions leading to thoughtful and fruitful discussion. Exploring digital product and digital passenger experience, one resounding message was: the basics still need work first.
Where discussion of digital products and services can often result in conversations around flashy extras and eye-catching new technology, the panel had a general consensus that the industry must focus on developing the basics. Improve, simplify, make seamless.
There was also conversation surrounding the extent to which digital experience defines the passenger experience now. The panel acknowledged that the companies setting public expectations are outside of the aviation sector and that these companies are rapidly accelerating customer expectations.
Other topics discussed include:
Data
Digital as a differentiator
The pursuit of consistency
Creating a seamless experience
Infrastructure
The service business
Onboard retail
What the future will look like
The panel discussion is 45 minutes long and is packed with a wealth of knowledge and ideas.
Discussing sustainability with the President of Shell Aviation, Jan Toschka
At the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, I sat down with Jan Toschka, President of Shell Aviation to discuss sustainability.
We covered:
Different ways the sustainability discussion has shifted in recent times.
How seriously the industry is taking the need to decarbonise.
Current barriers to the broader use and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Shell’s new blockchain powered book-and-claim solution Avelia, and how it will increase the production of SAF.
The importance of collaboration for meeting sustainability needs.
The industry has set its sights on SAF as one of the keys levers to decarbonise aviation. Defined as “renewable or waste-driven aviation fuels that meets sustainability criteria,” SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by 80 per-cent when used in neat form.
Through replacing traditional jet fuel with SAF, the industry can hope to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Consequently, SAF plays a large role in many airlines’ sustainability roadmaps. However, right now this costs two to eight times more than traditional, carbon emission heavy, jet fuel.
This cost creates a chicken and egg problem that Jan explains in the interview. On one side, airlines struggle to make commitments and on the other, fuel providers are lacking the strong demand signal to invest at scale and increase production, which in turn dampens demand because of SAF’s price premium. The Air Transport Action Group estimates that up to $1.45 trillion worth of investment over the next 30 years will be needed for scaling up production. During the interview, Jan discusses this dilemma and explores what steps are needed to overcome this to ensure there is enough SAF to satisfy demand.
One of Shell’s priorities is collaboration across the value chain to unlock demand in order to de-risk investment and grow confidence for SAF production and use. Shell has made headlines in the recent months – for example, in August 2022, Shell signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lufthansa over a potential purchase agreement which could deliver up to 1.8 million metric tonnes of SAF over a seven-year period, starting 2024. When considering the ‘chicken and egg’ problem, MoUs like this one play an important role in helping to gain confidence that’s needed to scale up SAF production.
As a concentrated segment that also needs to decarbonise, business travel is uniquely positioned to play a role in scaling SAF demand. Jan explained how their blockchain powered book-and-claim solution Avelia is helping to decarbonise business travel, giving corporations the ability to buy SAF and receive its environmental benefits regardless of their geographic location.
Finally, the importance of collaboration was emphasised as it becomes increasingly apparent that airlines, corporates, governments, and suppliers must all work together to ensure the industry can make the required shift to sustainability.
At World Aviation Festival last month, Andrew Wilcock, the new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Accelya was interviewed by Henry Harteveldt.
Accelya ‘empowers the air transport community to take better control of the future. Through deep industry expertise, they help their customers to embrace change with greater freedom and choice.’
Andrew highlighted the aspects of aviation that prime the industry for innovative growth including a desire to drive greater customer centricity and an appetite for change and transformation.
The CRO also fired out some ideas on how to put more control back into the hands of airlines to ultimately drive a greater level of customer centricity.
At the time of the interview, Andrew had only been in the industry for two months. This enabled him to see more clearly the areas in which the industry is not as advanced as others. Bringing a fresh pair of eyes to the discussion, Andrew was firing with energy and ideas for how to serve clients better.
Attracting and retaining talent with James Parker, Venari Partners – ‘I’m not sure everybody grows up wanting to be a pilot like they once did’
It is no secret that the aviation industry is struggling with staff shortages. The problem pre-dates the pandemic but was intensified by the cuts made during the crisis. More information about the labour shortages can be found by reading ‘What is holding young people back from joining the aviation industry?’
Venari Partners help businesses to identify, attract, and retain essential leadership talent globally. They operate in niche markets – including aviation and aerospace – where their industry knowledge, extensive networks, and passion for these sectors make them market leaders.
In this interview James Parker, Director at Venari Partners discussed how to inspire people to work in aviation, the challenges of this, and the nuances of taking an international approach to bringing talent into the industry.
James explained that we must first look at why people join the industry when considering how to maintain candidates’ interest in aviation. There are many benefits to this sector, from opportunities for international travel and a range of lifestyle perks, to the social nature of the work and the development of transferable skills. However, as James points out, not everyone grows up wanting to be a pilot anymore. So, what is making attracting talent to the industry difficult, and how can airlines overcome this?
The full list of questions asked in the interview is:
How can we keep talent interested in working in the aviation industry?
What are the main challenges to this at the moment?
How does talent acquisition differ from region to region?
Could you explain a little about why it is so important to take an international approach to bring talent into the industry?
For more insight into Venari Partners’ thought leadership at the World Aviation Festival read here or watch this short video summarising their session.
Schiphol Presentation: Sharing data to improve the passenger experience
At last month’s World Aviation Festival, Tor Boe-Lillegraven, Chief Data Officer, Royal Schiphol Group gave a ten-minute presentation on data.
In current times, data is everything. Within aviation it has become fundamental to optimising operations and as the industry continues to digitise, more and more data is produced. It is well known that this data is important to the industry, but why?
This short presentation offers a helpful overview of data in airports as well as an insight into how data is used in Schiphol specifically.
The Royal Schiphol Group Chief Data Officer explained where airports get their rich data sources from, the benefits of looking at data more like a tech company, and how to solve challenges through data.
Importantly, Tor highlighted how strategic data themes can retain their use even in the face of vast changes. The challenges that the Royal Schiphol Group identified pre-covid are still being used in their strategy in the wake of the pandemic.
Watch the ten-minute presentation below to find out more.
Interview with Pierre Thach Hoang, CCO Bamboo Airways – A growing perspective
Pierre Thach Hoang, CCO Bamboo Airways discussed a range of topics in this short interview. Touching on everything from talent acquisition to sustainability, international routes to investment in technology, it is inspiring to get a perspective from a younger, ambitious, rapidly growing airline. The discussion surrounding digitisation is particularly interesting because, as a younger airline, Bamboo Airways has been able to integrate digitisation right form the start.
Only launching operations in January 2019, Bamboo Airways currently has 30 planes in its fleet and operates nearly 200 passenger flights per day. The airline is aiming to triple their number of planes to 100 by 2028.
One of the exciting areas Pierre explained was the ecosystem that Bamboo Airways have built to enable them to use dynamic marketing “to offer the right service at the right time” through digital channels. This ecosystem is built with the entire customer journey in mind. As such, Bamboo Airways will offer their passengers discounted taxi services before their flight. Additionally, it can be used to optimise the airport facilities once the passenger is within the building. One example given was if a restaurant is not full, Bamboo Airways can send out discounts to passengers to encourage them to eat there while they are already at the airport.
Watch the full interview below for more details on Bamboo Airways’ dynamic marketing and the below questions:
How would you describe the current landscape for growing carriers like yourself?
What role does digitisation play in your business?
What actions are you taking to prepare for your global expansion?
What role is technology playing in your growth plans?
What challenges are you encountering with your expansion plans?
Are you taking steps to develop your retail offering?
How have you been improving passenger experience?
What are you plans for the future with regards to Ancillary revenue?
How are you accommodating for sustainability as a growing as an airline?
Does technology play a significant role in your sustainability plans?
Robert Carey, President Wizz Air – Keynote Interview
At last month’s World Aviation Festival Wizz Air President, Robert Carey was interviewed by John Strickland asking, ‘What is the next step in Wizz Air’s ambitious expansion strategy and how can it maintain that growth while still meeting big sustainability targets?’
The interview fell into two halves. The first looked at what Robert described as “the greatest hits of the airline industry.” Identifying the three huge, consecutive hits the industry has suffered in recent years: the global pandemic, war in Ukraine, current ‘challenging economic times’, Robert explored how these presented challenges for the airline.
The second half explored the pace and means of growth for Wizz Air. Exploring how the airline has diversified into new markets, the Wizz Air President insisted “we haven’t changed as much as the headlines make it look.” Identifying opportunities and using these to grow stronger, the airline is looking towards Saudi Arabia, looking East, and more to go from strength to strength.
In the interview, John refers to an interview with Eddie Wilson, Ryanair DAC CEO. To watch this see here.
At last month’s World Aviation Festival, David Lavorel, CEO, SITA took to the stage for a keynote interview. The interview looked at the statement, “As the industry recovers, smart tech, automation, and digitalisation are the only ways our industry can connect profitability, a great passenger experience, and sustainability.”
SITA is a multinational information technology company providing IT and telecommunication services to the air transport industry. SITA technology delivers solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft, and government.
In this fifteen-minute interview the SITA CEO unpacked the complexities of integrating technology. David explored the challenges of silos, regulation, crossing international borders, and public resistance to sharing data.
However, David also highlighted the opportunities that technology can offer passengers as well as businesses. Explaining the different areas which technology-fuelled optimisation can financially benefit businesses and emphasising the possibilities for a seamless experience for passengers, David makes a compelling argument for technology as the catalyst to improving the aviation industry.
Willie Walsh, Director General IATA – Keynote interview
Willie Walsh Director General, International Air Transport Association (IATA) responded to questions from Guy Johnson at the World Aviation Festival. The interview covered, “Understanding the outlook for 2023 and how the industry needs to further adopt technology and standards to become more agile and ready for future headwinds.”
IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing around 290 airlines and 83 per-cent of total air traffic. The Director General was asked some challenging questions by Guy Johnson during the interview.
In this 15-minute interview, the IATA Director General and the Bloomberg journalist explored a range of topics including lessons from the pandemic, pilot mobility, rigidities in the industry, capacity, and growth. With areas of robust discussion, this informative interview engages with multiple viewpoints to provide a nuanced exploration of industry questions.
Interview with Michael Tan, CCO Scarabee Aviation Group – “Technology at heart”
In this short, 10-minute interview Michael Tan CCO Scarabee Aviation Group discusses technology in the aviation industry.
Michael’s overarching message was straightforward, technology should be simple. Whether this means intuitive technology for passengers or timesaving technology for operators, technology should uncomplicate the airport process.
Offering airport transformation solutions that identify and resolve friction points in the airport journey, Scarabee combines innovation with technology to provide solutions to airports enhancing customer experience and airport operations.
In the interview Michael outlines some of the existing technology enhancing airport processes and delves into the benefits and uses of digital twin technology. The Scarabee CCO also identifies technologies to look out for in the coming few years that will be transforming airports.
The full list of questions asked in the interview are as below:
What role does technology play in the airport transformation solutions you provide?
This summer we have seen many problems surrounding baggage at European airports, how can technology help to overcome this?
What technology trends can we expect to see in the coming few years that could help to digitally transform airports?
Interview with Eddie Wilson, CEO Ryanair DAC – “Sustainable aviation fuel is the key”
In this short, five-minute interview, Eddie Wilson, CEO Ryanair DAC said it loud and clear: airlines need affordable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to maintain the industry and our economies need the aviation industry.
Eddie singled out SAF as a tangible, viable solution to curbing aircraft emissions. Explaining what he believes must happen for airlines to meet the net zero by 2050 target, Eddie discussed the need for governments to encourage energy companies to invest, the establishment of common policies on feedstock, and pushing SAF prices down to an affordable level.
Within the interview, the Ryanair DAC CEO packed in his decisive views on sustainability touching on technology, efficient aircraft, government incentives, and more.
This is the full list of questions asked in the interview:
Is Ryanair where it needs to be to achieve the net zero by 2050 targets?
What role will technology play in reaching these targets?
What are the most exciting developments we can look forward to within the industry in the next few years?
SAF in Ryanair’s sustainability policy
Ryanair is the fifth largest airline operator in the world and calls itself the “greenest and cleanest airline in Europe”. The airline has officially pledged to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and SAF plays a substantial role in these plans. Mapping out its sustainability journey, Ryanair plans to use 12.5 per-cent SAF by 2030 as well as invest $22 billion in greener aircraft.
In September 2022 the airline announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OMW to buy 160,000 tons of SAF over the course of eight years. This is estimated to save over 400,000 tons of carbon emissions. The largest airline in Europe also announced their partnership with Neste in April 2022, planning to power one third of flights at Schiphol Airport with 40 per-cent SAF blend.
At World Aviation Festival, Guy Johnson interviewed Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce. The interview explored, “How Qantas are re-emerging on the global stage after braving one of the most extreme lockdowns seen across the globe.”
During this short, 10-minute interview, Alan discussed the industry in a broader sense as well as narrowing down on Qantas’ experience.
Where many present the aviation industry as slow to change, Alan argued it has proved itself to be dynamic and capable. Offering a glass half-full perspective on the state of the industry, Alan articulated its resilience in response to the pandemic and demonstrated a belief that people will continue to fly in the face of external pressures.
Turning to Qantas specifically, Alan briefly outlined how the airline went from being eleven weeks away from bankruptcy to its current position. The Qantas CEO also explained their plans for continuing to live with COVID-19, oil prices, and redundancy in the system.
Providing a refreshingly positive outlook, Alan’s honest and thoughtful appraisal of Qantas and the wider aviation industry offers some useful lessons for the future.
Read about Qantas’ partnership with Bangkok Airways here.
Keynote innovation panel – “Aviation tech innovation going into 2023 – time for a new mindset?”
This exciting innovation panel featured:
Simone Van Neerven, Founder reBella – moderator
Christine Wang, MD, Lufthansa Innovation Hub
Suzanna Chiu, Head of Amadeus Ventures
Stephen Snyder, MD Operations & Partnerships, JetBlue Technology Ventures
Lukas Oberhofer, CM, Starburst Aerospace
The innovation panel at this year’s World Aviation Festival brought together a group of diverse voices discussing a wide range of topics relating to mindset around aviation tech innovation. Touching on everything from the digital acceleration brought on by COVID-19 to what to look for when working with start-ups, the changing purpose of travel to solutions for a seamless journey, truly understanding the customer perspective to sustainability.
Watch this inspiring panel to get an insight into how next year’s aviation tech will push limits, incorporate sustainability, and find new opportunities for solutions in what is set to be a very exciting year ahead.
Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO Oman Airports – Keynote interview “how can innovation open the door to positive change, business revolution, and further growth?”
Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO Oman Airports explains how incorporating technology and human touch into operations got Oman Airports from 97th to 16th best airport in the world.
The Oman Airports CEO explores the intersect between human touch and technology to improve airport processes inline with customer expectations. One example given is the way that staff respond to customer feedback touchpoints distributed through the airport. These provide live feedback allowing staff to actively and immediately respond.
Another initiative explored is the “youth board” of gen-Z employees. Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni describes the ways this “youth board” influences the airport through introducing innovative, technology driven ideas. It also ensures the airport actively incorporates the expectations of the largest generation on Earth.
