A recent report from Airports Council International (ACI) sheds light on significant trends and expectations for air travel by the year 2025. ACI, which represents over 2,000 airports worldwide, conducted the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Global Traveller Survey, capturing insights from over 4,100 passengers in 30 countries who had flown at least once in the last year.
Justin Erbacci, the Director General of ACI World, stated, “Travellers seek a reduced stress journey and are more eager than ever to enjoy enhanced airport experiences. They prioritize comfort, personalization, and ethical engagement.” The survey highlights a clear consumer shift towards valuing convenience, premium services, and sustainability in air travel, even amidst ongoing global challenges such as inflation and geopolitical tensions.
Despite these external pressures, demand for air travel remains robust, with 67% of respondents indicating plans to travel more frequently in 2024 compared to 2023. The findings suggest that passengers are booking their flights further in advance, which reflects a growing confidence in the stability of their travel plans that had previously been disrupted during the pandemic. The overarching priority for travellers is their well-being, with two-thirds expressing positivity about their upcoming airport journeys. However, a notable one-third of them has also expressed a desire for wellness-focused environments to enhance their travel experience.
ACI's report elucidates the increasing importance of technology in personalising and expediting the airport experience. An impressive 78% of surveyed passengers showed a strong interest in tech solutions that would facilitate quicker check-in and security processes at airports. “Promising solutions to streamline the journey depend on travellers’ willingness to share personal information. While many travellers are open to sharing some data, the industry must offer them the flexibility to choose what information they share and with whom,” Erbacci remarked.
The survey also indicated a clear trend towards sustainability, with passengers demonstrating a preference for eco-friendly brands and a heightened awareness of airports’ sustainability objectives. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger travellers, who are increasingly tailoring their purchasing decisions to support sustainable businesses, both in retail and travel services.
Emphasising premium services has become a recurring theme in the airline industry, with a growing demand for expedited check-in procedures and improved lounge experiences. The report points out a significant shift in passenger preferences towards more luxurious travel options following the pandemic. Major US carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, are currently expanding their premium offerings. Interestingly, low-cost airlines are also adapting to this trend, as exemplified by Spirit Airlines, which recently embarked on a voluntary Chapter 11 process and announced its intention to target higher-income households while maintaining its cost advantages.
As the airport and airline industries continue to adapt to changing passenger expectations and preferences, the findings from ACI's survey set the stage for potential shifts in business practices and strategies within the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of both technological innovation and a commitment to sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services