Taking off with mobile tech

Mobile technology is becoming an increasingly important aspect in the travel industry and Middle Eastern airlines are at the forefront of harnessing it effectively, a leading expert believes, writes Kristian Harrison.

Carey Parker, the product director for leading technology provider Sabre, hosted a talk at the Arab Air Carrier Organisation’s Business Technology Forum 2015 where he presented an overview of the evolution of mobile technology in the industry.

Carey said: “Today, 97 per cent of passengers carry a mobile device when they travel, with 81 per cent of those devices being smartphones. With this proliferation of mobile devices comes a higher demand and expectation from passengers, who now demand a more personalised service from their airlines, as well as a generally better travel experience.

“With the increased amount of data this creates, it becomes difficult for an airline to know what to do with this data and how to use it effectively. And, with expectations on the rise, airlines are under increased pressure to invest in innovation and technology that will help them improve and personalise the service they offer their passengers.

“We believe that there is a clear opportunity for innovative airlines to take control of the global marketplace and such airlines can be found in the Middle East, including Gulf Air, who are using our systems and services already.”

Carey explained that the Middle East has a much higher percentage of mobile domination, compared to desktop computers, and this is dictating how they are being used for travel. Mobile phones are now being utilised for booking tickets, checking in online, on board WiFi, and thereafter to give feedback.

“A few years ago, people said that mobile phones would never be used for this sort of thing, and that passengers would wait until they got home to do it on desktop,” he added, “but obviously they misjudged how powerful a technology mobile is. It’s becoming ubiquitous.

“Middle Eastern airlines are driving the innovation in the industry because all of the major international hubs are in the region now, so we really see this area as the centre of technological advancement in the near future.”