The NextGen Traveller

We asked the industry leaders, “The GenZ travellers, who grew up with heightened awareness of climate change and global crises needs more promising catering. How does the aviation industry promise to shape their future?

In an era defined by unprecedented global connectivity, Generation Z and future generations are experiencing a remarkable surge in travel accessibility. However, the Gen Z cohort, characterized by a profound understanding of environmental challenges, demands more than just convenient travel options. They seek an industry that aligns with their values, prioritizing sustainability without compromising accessibility. As the aviation sector anticipates a surge in global travel, particularly in regions like the Middle East, it stands at the crossroads of innovation and responsibility.

Is the aerospace industry prepared to attract talent more effectively? Is a promotional boost of aerospace and defence product development and manufacturing the answer to it? Would virtual prototyping, AI, 3D printing and robotics, as the new image of manufacturing processes brought about by technological advances, do the trick?

Here’s what the industry leaders have to say!

“Generation Z, and indeed all subsequent generations, along with the present ones, are witnessing a surge in travel accessibility on a global scale. Anticipating a significant increase in the number of passengers in the Middle East by 2040, we are poised to double the current volume, despite already experiencing substantial traffic. The emerging generation places a premium on accessibility, and we are committed to providing them access through advanced aircraft technologies. Simultaneously, there is a growing demand for sustainability. This is where sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen, and electrification play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving expectations of environmentally conscious travellers.” Yuri Jongkind, Business Development Director for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Rolls Royce

“In the future, we would not have to check in at all. The idea is if you’re travelling in one of the premium cabins and have a limo (limousine), you should be able to do the check-in process while you’re in transit. It should be all about dropping the bag and getting onto the plane. Now talk to Generation Z; they are not into brands; they are into experiences. I want the new generation to feel welcomed. I want them to feel that the product offered to them is relevant. I want them to find F&B brands at the airport that are relevant to current tastes. It is not rocket science, and industry can do this a lot better. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

“Our promise is that we’ve been an innovative company since day one. We’re 108 years old, and we’ve continued to reinvent the market and we’ve reinvented our products.

And today’s aircrafts are 80 percent more fuel efficient than the first jets that we delivered in the 1950s and 90% quieter. So, we have a track record of continuing to innovate and improve on our products.” Darren Hulst, Vice President of Commercial Marketing at Boeing

Aviation is not confined to jetliners and international travel. Dubai is notable for its interest in different forms of urban transport – including aerial city travel. The Integrity, a zero-emission electric air taxi produced by Spanish company Crisalion, and which can carry six passengers, was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow. It is due to undergo tests in Dubai next year as part of the city’s continuing efforts to break new ground on urban transportation.

“All our solutions are very much focused on the trends that current new generations and current generations are demanding from mobility. Yeah. It’s not only the aircraft, what they demand, they demand an experience, and the journey must be an experience for them.

So, it’s very important also, what they can do inside the aircraft, be it all, when they are flying, connectivity, infotainment, but they are also going to demand, for example, recycled materials. We are working on this. It’s one of our visions for the future. We are introducing already this kind of materials in these vehicles, because these are new kind of requirements that new generations are bringing in. And of course, we need to satisfy them.” Óscar Lara Rapp – Chief Operating Officer, COO, at Crisalion Mobility

“All our solutions are very much focused on the trends that current new generations and current generations are demanding from mobility. Yeah. It’s not only the aircraft, what they demand, they demand an experience, and the journey must be an experience for them.

So, it’s very important also, what they can do inside the aircraft, be it all, when they are flying, connectivity, infotainment, but they are also going to demand, for example, recycled materials. We are working on this. It’s one of our visions for the future. We are introducing already this kind of materials in these vehicles, because these are new kind of requirements that new generations are bringing in.”