How can low cost airlines shape future airports?

Airports should re-think the way they operate, taking ideas from bus stations and shopping malls, according to a new study from Amadeus.

Called ‘Reinventing the Airport Ecosystem’, the study suggests that if airports become mini-cities they will better meet consumer demands and earn more revenue. It draws from case studies of the airports that have the most advanced developments such as Singapore Changi and New York JFK.

The research looked at travellers’ frustrations at airports and found that they want a stress-free experience, with many looking to use mobile technology more through their journey.

The study explains how airports might look in 2025. Ideas include mini-cities, where there are places to work, shop, stay, eat and drink. These cities could generate their own energy or grow their own food. These cities might have cultural links to the wide environment.

Other concepts include a shopping mall airport model, or a no-frills bus station model that focuses on speed and efficiency.

The walkway concept outlines a scenario where many process that currently take place at the airport are performed remotely.

Julia Sattel, Senior VP Airline IT, Amadeus said: “A range of macro-trends including increasing traveller demands, new technologies and the immediate requirement for the industry to create new revenue streams are driving the need for a fundamental rethink of the airport ecosystem.

“Imagine an airport where the retail experience is so impressive you choose to shop there without even flying; or using an in-flight app to make purchases you can pick up once you’ve landed. It’s an exciting future but airports, airlines and the whole eco-system need to make co-operative decisions to unlock this potential.”

Rohit Talwar, CEO of Fast Future Research, and the report’s co-author added: “Based on the research in this report we can expect the airport eco-system to change dramatically over the next 20 years as players accelerate their pursuit of new sources of revenue – such as retail, dining, leisure and real estate.

“What’s also clear is that whichever model an airport adopts; new technology means we’re heading towards an intelligent, data-intensive, knowledge-rich, adaptive and responsive airport environment that will greatly benefit travellers.”

What do you think airports will look like in 2025? How can low cost airlines and airports work together to bring about positive change?