On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic. This news came as no surprise as the pandemic had spread worldwide, claiming multiple casualties. However, for the air transport business, a dark cloud was looming. This dark cloud was the effect the pandemic was to impact on the aviation business as a whole. The air transport business has been one of the hardest-hit industries as a result of the pandemic. According to IATA, passenger demand was at an all-time high, leading to a 90% reduction in passenger revenue per kilometer. Airlines also registered massive losses, with statistics showing a combined $120 billion loss worldwide.
It is now a year since the pandemic, and businesses are adapting to the new normal. How is the business aviation industry adapting to the new normal? Business aviation has been proactive in ensuring business continuity is not affected during the post-covid-19 period. Let’s look at the business aviation trends that have taken shape to enable players to remain afloat.
The private aircraft industry players have bolstered their health and safety measures to retain clients and attract new clientele. Most clients have become more concerned with safety guidelines such as social distancing, additional sanitizing, prompt temperature checks, and other covid-19 safety procedures which reputable health bodies and health institutions have advised.
Private charter companies are taking more robust measures to ensure their staff are vaccinated and consistently tested for covid-19 to ensure the safety of their clients is guaranteed, as flyers are increasingly concerned with their safety.
Without a doubt, the pandemic has led to innovations in digital technology suited for the aircraft industry. From self-check-ins to self-drop-off of luggage, tech startups have developed software and technologies for aircraft industry players. The technologies range from luggage identification technologies at airports and airstrips, technologies that optimize runway capacity, end-to-end departure, and arrival connectivity between control rooms to digital contactless services.
Business aviation companies must utilize these technologies to achieve seamless operations while observing the new normal interaction practices.
The use of Jet Cards is a niche utility for private users which allows them to purchase flight hours. This utility service is the way to go for lovers of private aircraft services. As air travel prices hit an all-time high, the use of jet cards may be the utility tool that regulates costs for lovers of private air travel.
This service is a trend that is in use by private aviation businesses as it helps them retain clientele by giving them a range of pricing options.
Aviation players committed in 2009 to cut their emissions by half by 2050 as part of a climate change initiative. However, the commitment to change has catalyzed during this post-pandemic period. With the already plummeting revenues encountered due to the impact of covid-19 on the aviation industry, the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) is something that business aviation industry players should consider to maintain sustainability in costs and achieve the cost-benefit returns of using SAFs.
The covid-19 pandemic is here with us, and with the new normal having anchored itself in how we operate our businesses, there is no way out other than to adapt. Business aviation service providers have adapted to the trends in aviation to optimize customer experience and be above board in service delivery. For top-notch aviation services, see our aviation services for avid travelers. If you need to know more about our niche products suitable for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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