To deliver this, carriers are deploying improved, connected solutions like improved pre-order experiences and mobile point of sale (POS) devices rich with passenger data.Crews and back office managers can access customer profiling, segmentation and even purchasing history promptly, helping them deliver personally targeted in-flight retail experiences the next time passengers fly. Integration with airline systems is critical.

This information is being increasingly leveraged as airlines’ communication becomes more about the ‘life-cycle’ of the passenger, rather than hitting them with mixed marketing messages as often as possible.

The significant investment in selling fares should extend to selling ancillary opportunities. As we have witnessed at dnata, airlines are looking to their inflight retail provider to help them steer towards this trajectory.

Here’s a quick view of the high-value points for digital concierging and personalised onboard technologies:

Airline procurement roles also become more optimised and streamlined with digital. Next-generation buying and procurement uses data analytics and insights to develop smarter buying decisions, partnerships and general supply-chain management. Translating data into business intelligence often means having the right data sources to make smarter decisions.

By capturing data from passenger’s payment profiles, needs, and histories, airlines are also better able to predict ancillary merchandising strategies that cut costs and reduce wasted inventory.

A seamless passenger experience, incorporating ancillary opportunities, will dictate how successful an airline will be outside of its core product – the seat.

Not unlike on-ground retailing, catering to each passenger’s unique preferences and offering flexible purchase, delivery and refund processes will be the difference in how successful your onboard store will be.

Sounds interesting? Subscribe to our updates or get in touch through the form below to discuss your inflight services offering.