Bouncing back better

Duncan Hand, Siemens’ business development manager for digital airports, considers how aviation can navigate its way through today’s turbulence.

In the last 15 years, we have witnessed the disruption of many on cash flow and profitability. Smarter maintenance strategies will industries. The hotel industry by Airbnb, transportation by Uber allow issues to be prioritised and funding to be allocated to the core and retail by Amazon. The aviation industry has now been business operations. disrupted by a virus.

What makes this disruption unique is the speed and scale of its Mitigating risks of further spread of the virus growth, which forced a near total shutdown of the world’s airports Protecting the health and safety of travellers and staff is a high priority within two months of its outbreak across the globe. for airport operators as they strive to minimise any risks caused by the

The pandemic has created a massive challenge for airport owners spread of the virus. and operators. But within this chaos comes a chance to develop The introduction of temperature screening and health declarations greater efficiencies and explore new opportunities. may become the norm as the industry restarts. Airports should invest

As regional economies restart, aviation will be part of this recovery. in the right technology to ensure they can still provide a seamless

The initial stages of recovery will be led by domestic and regional travel, experience for passengers and staff. with long-haul being the last sector of the aviation sector to restart.

Cargo will play a leading role in the economic recovery. Global supply A chance to drive sustainability chains were increasingly stretched in the global shutdown. Airports will The aviation industry’s contribution to global emissions is undeniable. need to be able to open profitably with reduced passenger loads and a Simultaneously, airport expansions have significant environmental strong emphasis on cargo. risks including noise, carbon emissions, air quality, landscape,

The SARS epidemic of 2003 resulted in a U-shaped demand curve, biodiversity and water. with travel recovering five to seven months after the peak of the With most airports today operating at limited capacity, owners epidemic. Due to the widespread nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the and operators alike should seize this opportunity to conduct energy recovery in demand is likely to be somewhat slower this time around. audits. This will highlight consumption patterns and identify Facility

However, the aviation industry should expect that passenger Improvement Measures (FIMS). numbers will initially recover and then resume growth. In order to FIMS related to lighting, HVAC systems or other utilities can allow prepare for this, here are some steps airport owners and operators for significant cost savings as airports strive to reduce their OPEX. should consider: Catania (CTA) in Italy and Dubai International (DXB) in the UAE are shining examples of how efforts made in sustainability has helped

Investing in operational efficiencies improve the bottom line.

In the short-term, airports should invest in operational efficiency, Airports and economies that react quickly and can ramp back making their operations more resilient. This will enable stronger up as passenger demand recovers will emerge the strongest from profitability during the economic recovery, which governments will the pandemic. strongly encourage with stimulus and infrastructure projects. Aviation has a strong future, and the COVID-19 pandemic will

A strong focus on asset performance and changing business accelerate changes in the aviation business. As always, the nimble and models from time and materials to an outcome-based maintenance responsive airports will be the ones in the best position to rise and model will show long-term benefits as well as have a short term impact grow in the coming recovery.