Social media to dominate air service
PTI, PANAJI | 27 September 2013 19:06 ISTSeventy per cent of the airlines are likely to use social media to reach out to passengers to offer their services over the next three years, according to an aviation industry report.
"Social media, mobile technology and business intelligence will increasingly define India's air transport landscape as the country's passenger traffic triples to an estimated 450 million by 2023," it said.
The report, "Transforming the passenger experience information technology in Indian aviation in 2015," has been co-authored by aviation think-tank Centre for Pacific Aviation(CAPA) and SITA, which provides IT services to airlines.
It was released today during the day-long 'Aviation ICT Forum 2013' event in Panaji.
"By the end of 2015, 100 per cent of airlines plan to offer kiosk check-in, more than 70 per cent will offer information services, ticket sales and flight re-booking via kiosks and more than 70 per cent will provide self bag drop," the report maintained.
India is the world's third-largest social media market with the number of users in urban India estimated at 66 million, it said.
"Indian carriers and airports are increasingly conscious of their social media footprint and the need to reach out to passengers via social media platforms."
The findings are based on a survey carried out at six metro airports covering all stakeholders -- passengers, airlines, airports, ground handlers, Customs and immigration officials.
With over 82 per cent of travellers surveyed carrying smartphones and 22 per cent armed with tablets, airlines and airports are adopting new mobile services, it said.
"Hundred per cent of airlines surveyed will offer mobile check-in, flight status notification, ticket purchase, itinerary integration and sharing and on-board mobile over the next three years.
"Approximately 80 per cent of airports will offer relationship services, personalised information for passengers and retail promotions via social media," it added.