The recent study titled “Investment trends in travel technology” by Amadeus has unveiled a rapid digital transformation occurring in airports. It is anticipated that the travel industry will see a 14% surge in technology investment by 2024, indicating the swift pace of this transformation.
In recent years, passengers have observed significant changes in travel services, from the ease of online ticket purchases to the utilization of electronic boarding passes and other technological advancements.
For Saudi Arabia, digital transformation is a critical component of Vision 2030. The Kingdom has emerged as the fastest-growing country in the Middle East in terms of airport technology. Jihad Boueri, the Regional Vice President for Airport Affairs for the Middle East, India, and Africa region at SITA, emphasized the substantial progress being made in this area.
Boueri spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat at the first annual meeting in the Middle East of the General Assembly of the Airports Council International (ACI) in Riyadh. He noted that while there is a global technical revolution in the airport sector, Saudi Arabia has implemented these changes at a quicker and more robust rate due to significant budget investments and the development of new airports.
When asked about challenges faced by the sector, Boueri highlighted the need for training human resources and nurturing young talents. These factors could potentially impede the adoption of modern technologies in airport operations.
Another significant challenge is sustainability, as the aviation sector is responsible for 4 percent of carbon emissions. Boueri emphasized the importance of initiatives such as reducing engine operation time and implementing environmentally friendly devices at airports to address this issue.
Looking ahead, Boueri emphasized that the future of airport technology is moving towards a system that allows travellers to pass through free zones using their biological fingerprint, which is connected to a cloud database containing individual information. Additionally, travellers will have the ability to check in their luggage from home through airline companies. He applauded the Kingdom for taking significant steps towards the implementation of these advanced technologies.
In line with this technological advancement, Saudia Airlines launched a trial version of the “Virtual Assistant with Artificial Intelligence Technology” platform in April. In partnership with Accenture, a global management consulting and professional services company, this platform aims to redefine digital travel standards by enabling individuals to plan their travel and complete all necessary procedures seamlessly.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia is making remarkable progress in the airport technology sector, with a focus on embracing modern advancements and digital transformation to enhance the travel experience for passengers. As the Kingdom continues to invest in technology and infrastructure, it is poised to further solidify its position as a leader in this rapidly evolving industry.