Airports, airlines and travel retail operators are currently facing unparalleled challenges, both in the way they do business as well as in the aviation industry itself. Rapidly changing purchasing behavior by customers, the evolving E-Commerce industry and digitalization are disrupting traditional revenue streams and business models of airports and airlines.

The passenger’s buying behavior has fundamentally changed. Research shows that traditional travel retail is being challenged and major growth is unlikely. Digitalization is a threat for all key players in the aviation industry, should they choose not to change anything. However, airports, airlines and travel retailers can also embrace digitalization and view it as an enormous opportunity to find new ways to generate core non-aviation revenues. To achieve this though, they will need to collaborate and create a digital airport commerce ecosystem together. The result: A win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Airports have several competitive advantages when utilizing E-Commerce that can help them gain the pole position in omnichannel retailing. To create a digital airport commerce ecosystem and an online platform, the key players in aviation need full management support, a skilled team with a digital attitude, value-creating digital business models, enabling legal contracts and high-performance, scalable IT.