EMERGING TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY THAT IS CHANGING THE AVIATION WORLD By Professor Johnson Egwakhe Director, Babcock Centre for Executive Development, Babcock University, Ilisan, Ogun State

Recognition Distinguished Chairman, Sir,   - The President, Board, and Management of Sabre, - Distinguished Captains of the Aviation/Travel Industry - Organised Private Sector Organisations/CEOs here present. - Distinguished Academicians - Distinguished Guests, - Esteemed Members of the Press - Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction It is indeed a pleasure and privilege to be invited as a “Keynote Speaker” at the 10th Year Anniversary Celebrations of Sabre Travel Networks.

Introduction(contd.) I hasten to commend Sabre Travel Networks for distinguishing herself as a shining star establishment within her ever – competitive industry. Please keep the flag flying.

Introduction(contd.) The topic/theme of this 10th Anniversary Keynote Speech: “Emerging Trends in Technology that is changing the Aviation World” is supremely apt, and could not have come at a better time than now, when the Aviation industry is under relentless assault from several diverse factors including, but not limited to:

Issues Rising country – specific travel restrictions.   Rising country – specific travel restrictions. Restrictions on ICT tools/devices that could be taken into flight cabins; Rising on – board flight security concerns (terrorism, etc). Rising airport security concerns Rising airspace security concerns – especially after the disappearance of the Malaysia Air MH370 flight. Rising passenger numbers

Issues(contd.) Rising customer demand for easier flight boarding and travel processes, including maximal on – board comfort Increased competition amongst carriers for market share. The re-modernization of many airports, and building of new signature airports worldwide. Rising ICT R & D in the designing of new types of aircraft that are maximally ICT compliant.

Emerging trends in Technology Sabre is one company that has realized the need to develop dynamic capabilities that can help organizations keep up with the swift changes, technology brings to the fore. Every new discovery in science and technology helps in the delivery of a safer and more reliable system. I will mention a few that are being utilized around the globe.

Artificial intelligence (AI) Its input in the provision of Chabot - an automated digital tools that can converse with customers and answer their questions in a real-time, human-like manner.

Voice-based AI tools (such as the Amazon Echo device) For: Ticket pricing, personalized online interactions, market intelligence to investment and income management.

Robotics For cleaning, transportation Baggage handling & Parking of cars information within the airport environment.

Biometrics technology Can only make air travel process more seamless and secure, as it will remain very helpful in possibly fighting the terrorism that is currently plaquing our global world.

Latest Aircraft Fuel efficient aircrafts that have enhanced aerodynamics in its performance in flight. For example: Airbus’s A350 and the Boeing’s 787 Dream liner.

Radar and GPS Tracking Technologies It helps to remove the limitation of traditional radar coverage.

Block chain technology which helps with encryption and security of data, making it tamper-proof and unavailable for unauthorized use

3D Printing It significantly reduces the complexity to make some of the parts and save cost and time. It also saves weight. Parts created by 3D printing are 30-55% lighter and use 90% less raw materials than those made by traditional methods.

In flight entertainment system: AVANT Accommodates the habit of turning on the TV, at the same time work on your laptop and play with your Smartphone

EYE CONTROL- Eye-tracking technology Monitors will be controlled by eye movements.

Morphing apps Apps that change according a user's location and need.

Pilots trained by virtual reality headset By wearing the goggles, students will be immersed in a virtual cockpit environment.

Landing: Ultra-Electronics Increases communication with ground control to allow for more efficient landings.

Greatest achievement of ICT with SABRE Travels Networks Provision of passenger enabled booking platforms which allows passengers access all information related to their voyage right from the comfort of their homes

Conclusion Growth could be hampered by……… I look forward to being invited here once again when Sabre Travel Networks’ will be recognized…….