Technology

Taking a domestic flight for an average Indian was a momentous occasion when the concept of flying was introduced at the start of the century.

In the 90s you had to plan your air travel in advance, air tickets were very expensive and although there were a few private airlines available for the passenger, Air India was the undisputed leader in the domestic aviation market.

But things have changed over the past decade-and-a-half! Millions of Indians board a flight to travel within the country or abroad every single day. There seven domestic airlines and several other regional carriers ready to serve air travellers in India.

There is no doubt aviation has changed for the better in India and here’s how!

1.More Airlines Means More Options

Air India’s monopoly over Indian skies is a thing of the past! In the last two decades or so there has many airline carriers have been introduced to the Indian travellers. Other than National airlines (IndiGo, Spice-jet, GoAir, Air Deccan etc) the Indian aviation market can boast of reputed international airlines such as Emirates, AirAsia, British Airways and many more.

2.Competitive Ticket Prices

In 2003-2004 India’s first low-cost airline Air Deccan (who later launched “one-rupee” fares to increase aircraft loads) was introduced, opening a world of possibilities and opportunities to travellers in India. Other low-cost carriers soon entered the market.
According to the Minister of State Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha “These days, passengers spend only Rs. 5 per kilometer on air travel from Indore to Delhi. But if you take an autorickshaw in this city, then you need to spend a relatively higher price of Rs. 8-10 per kilometer.”

3. Value for Money Services

You now get the service you pay for! Fly with an exclusive airline and you can expect luxury with delicious food, wines and VIP treatment among other advantages.
Today you have the choice to pay for a seat of your choice or how much luggage you want to carry. You don’t want to eat onboard? No problem, it is no longer part of your ticket cost.
Airlines serve you exactly the services you want and you no longer need to pay for something you don’t need when you fly.

4. Mobile Connectivity & Inflight Wi-fi

This is a new service which has recently been introduced in India.
The TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has issued recommendations that will soon allow airlines to provide in-flight internet and permit mobile services above the altitude of 3000 meters. However, it is up to the airlines how they choose to implement the services and at what costs if any.

5.Next Generation Aircrafts

New age airplanes such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 XWB are designed to endure high pressure when flying in the air.
These aircrafts can endure almost 2000 times more pressure than its predecessors which means more oxygen for your lungs, more moisture within the cabin and a more comfortable flight.

6.More Non-Stop Flights

New generation aircraft are bringing the world together with longer non-stop flights.
With more and more passengers wanting to explore new destinations and airline tickets becoming cheaper airlines have upped their game by increasing the number of flights, their frequency and the routes they travel to.

7.Technology & The Internet of Things(IoT)

Gone are the days when you had to stand in long queues for check-in, go to the helpdesk at the airport for all the information, manual security checks etc. With innovation in technology and the introduction of the internet of things, passengers can dash through the airport without any hassle.
Smartphones these days allow passengers to access all their flight info, check-in, track their flight and plan the entire itinerary with just a few clicks.

8.Improved Airport Infrastructure

The rise in the number of passengers travelling to and from airports in has resulted in a complete makeover of the airport infrastructure in India. Most modern airports in India can compete with the best airports in the world.
Other than the design and beauty, airports have become a place where passengers can spend time by eating, shopping and being entertained. Services like lounges, spas, sleep pods and airport hotels passengers are comfortable while they wait for their flight.

The aviation industry in India and the world is constantly evolving and with it,  are related services and technology that enhance the passenger experience. AirWhizz is a great example of such technological innovation. It is a one of its kind airport assistant app in India that helps passengers #flystressfree with services such as real-time flight updates and information, booking cabs from the airport, getting access to and information on different airport lounges and restaurants at your fingertips.

Air travel has changed a lot since the first commercial aircraft took flight in 1914 where a mayor traveled in Florida for 21 miles on a paid seat. Everything changes with time and so did commercial aviation. There was a time when people use to read newspapers or magazines to keep them occupied. Now we have entertainment systems installed and have Wi-Fi services enabled in domestic airlines too. We have better aircraft and friendly cabin crew. Everything has changed about commercial aviation and now the focus is more on customer service and security. All of this happened due to the digitization of commercial aviation. Air travel was the first one to get digitized amongst all kind of travel services. Let’s see the impacts of digitization on commercial aviation and how is it helping customers. 

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