Amadeus reveals a rethink of the airport ecosystem
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Amadeus recently unveiled a new study ‘Reinventing the Airport Ecosystem’, which discusses consumer frustrations with today’s airport experience and maps the way airports will re-invent themselves up to 2025 with new operating models to drive revenues beyond the traditional aviation income.
Some of the new models highlighted include mini-city which is a self-sufficient entity offering unique retail, entertainment, dining, work spaces and accommodation. It may even grow its own food and generate its energy needs onsite. The ‘City Extension’ is basically tightly integrated into the local city, the airport will reflect the best of local culture, history and cuisine. The ‘Shopping Mall’ concept is built wherein the airport, shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities will be on par and even beyond those found in destinations and available to non-flying customers; 15% of travellers surveyed thought this model would be predominant by 2025. The ‘walkway concept’ where many of the current airport processes are performed remotely by the passenger, at home or in a separate virtual terminal. And finally, the ‘Bus Station’ concept which is the low-cost end of the spectrum lies the ‘bus station’ model.
The report understands the vast growth potential in the Middle East in general and the GCC states in particular is massive. Gulf countries are channelling billions of dollars into airport expansions, betting on a sharp rise in passenger traffic and competing to strengthen their positions as regional hubs for global travel.
Antoine Medawar, vice-president, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus, said: “As travel continues to evolve, we will endure over the next 20 years, major changes across the entire industry. We are on the verge of a true convergence of technologies in travel that will drive the need for a fundamental rethink of the airport ecosystem in the Middle East.”