ACI EUROPE boss: “2023 is not 2019”

As the aviation industry continues to struggle through the pandemic era, the boss of ACI EUROPE, Olivier Jankovec, isn’t holding out hope for any major reconnection before 2023. In his words, this is “no return to 2019” any time soon. This is the new reality of travel. But what might it look like?

1. The 2021 Aviation Landscape – ACI EUROPE’s Perspective

The aviation industry is changing rapidly as changing regulations shape and redefine the world alongside the Covid-19 crisis. ACI Europe forecasts the following for 2021:

• Recovery is expected to start by mid 2021 in the European region
• Expectations of traffic in Europe by the end of the year are set to be 56% lower than 2019 levels.
• The passenger travel market will not return to pre-Covid-19 levels before 2024.
• Cargo markets are expected to continue to grow at an accelerated pace throughout the year.

Fiscal Consolidation – Budgets and liquidity constraints facing European airports are likely to remain a key concern throughout 2021. To meet liquidity shortfalls, use of the current package of European Union aid could be further supplemented, while other innovative measures may too be explored.

Overall, it is likely that passenger numbers in Europe will not begin to show sustainable growth before the end of 2021. Regional and airports’ traffic may in fact continue to be dominated by domestic and largely leisure and VFR traffic.

2. Air Travel Rebound: Why “2023 Is Not 2019”

Challenges Ahead

After 2020’s disruption of the air travel industry, many pundits are predicting that air travel will bounce back in the near future. But it may be some time before we reach pre-pandemic levels of international air travel, so it’s important to understand what lies ahead.

The industry is facing major challenges that could slow its recovery, including a decrease in consumer confidence in air travel, decreased flight capacity, and economic hardship from the pandemic.

Reality of Recovery

Simply put, it’s unlikely that the air travel industry will recover overnight. Issues such as pandemic-related travel restrictions, the effectiveness of safety protocols, and economic woes may put a damper on air travel until these issues are resolved.

It’s also unlikely that 2023 will be a return to the halcyon days of 2019. Airlines may have to adjust their business models, reduce capacity, and view the next few of years in terms of a long road to recovery.

• Decrease in consumer confidence in air travel
• Decreased flight capacity
• Economic hardship from pandemic
• Pandemics-related travel restrictions
• Effectiveness of safety protocols
• Airlines need to adjust business model

3. ACI EUROPE’s Recommendations for Airports

Amidst the turbulent landscape of the aviation sector, ACI EUROPE remains committed to finding new ways to navigate forward. In order to make a smooth transition, the trade organization has outlined several specific recommendations to help prepare for the future.

First and foremost, ACI EUROPE recommends airports reassess their focus on safety and security, implementing the highest possible standards in line with the latest research and technologies. Security considerations should be built into the operational and visitor experience, with careful monitoring to ensure ethical practices. Meanwhile, airports should review their current sources of funding, and seek out new opportunities to advance sustainability and create a modern and efficient organisational model.

• Focus on safety, security and the highest possible standards
• Introduce new funding sources aligned with sustainability
• Develop a modern, efficient organisational model

At the same time, airports should devise solutions to improve the passenger experience, focusing on customer satisfaction and delivering exceptional service. Voice-activation technology, targeted advertising, and personalised messaging can all come into play. Airports should also consider making their venues more accessible, with featured amenities designed to accommodate all travellers in need of assistance.

• Improve the passenger experience and promote customer satisfaction
• Make the airport more accessible and ensure assistance service

With that, ACI EUROPE provides a detailed action plan for airports to embrace, as both these industry and the public continue their shared journey towards global recovery.

4. Road Ahead: A Path to Sustainable Growth

The road ahead is paved with progress and prosperity, but it requires us to make conscious decisions that place long-term growth above short-term gains. Sustainability means making better use of our resources and being mindful of our environment. Here are a few strategies that can help us move in the right direction:

• Focus on smarter, more efficient practices in the supply chain, such as reducing waste and maximizing resources whenever possible.
• Invest in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy sources.
• Encourage public and private partnerships that foster innovation and foster sustainable development.

Reshaping industry standards is another way to achieve sustainable economic growth. By engaging stakeholders throughout the supply chain and adopting responsible practices, companies can ensure their products and services are aligned with the sustainable target. This also includes incentivizing environmental-friendly practices and promoting consumer education on sustainable practices.

The aviation industry looks to be picking up the pieces and finding a way forward after the painful disruption of 2020. With the determination and hard work of those in the industry it looks like 2023 could be a much brighter, and fuller, year than the one we just experienced. ACI EUROPE have a significant role to play in the recovery and, as their boss has made clear, they are already doing what needs to be done to ensure the skies can be filled with planes and passengers. What comes next could be even more exciting than before.