Unisys Survey Finds Airports’ Investment in Analytics Technology Set to Soar as Digital Transformation Needs Take Flight

New research from Unisys Corp. reveals that airports expect to fully embrace more advanced analytics solutions in the coming years, with potential applications for use across several key areas within the airport ecosystem. Unisys conducted the survey of 29 airport executives and industry professionals at the Airports Council International - North America Annual Conference and General Assembly held in Montreal, Sept. 25-28. 

A majority of those surveyed – 59 percent – said that they planned to invest in advanced analytics solutions in the next one-to-five years. Of those surveyed, only three percent said they had no plans to invest in analytics at all, and less than one-third (31 percent) said they were currently using advanced analytics tools today.

Respondents were most interested in applying advanced analytics solutions across a wide range of important airport operations and passenger offerings, including passenger flow (27 percent); airport operations and asset tracking (22 percent); geolocation and wayfinding through the airport (22 percent); and passenger shopping and retail habits (15 percent).

When asked about the biggest hurdles facing the implementation of an advanced analytics solution, 27 percent of respondents cited compatibility with current airport systems as the top concern, while lack of budget (24 percent), insufficient resources (18 percent) and security/privacy concerns (18 percent) rounded out the other top concerns.

“This survey makes it clear that airports today realize how critical digital transformation is in order to stay competitive and achieve success in the future,” said Dheeraj Kohli, vice president and global head of Travel and Transportation for Unisys. “As a provider of innovative airport solutions, Unisys understands how valuable advanced analytics can be for airports. Not only can they be used across a wide range of airport operations, but the data generated through advanced and predictive analytics tools can also help airports improve the experience they offer, and, just as importantly, bolster their own efficiency, organization and profitability.”