The most recent industry threat after the exchange rate challenge and trapped funds in the central bank is the closure of airspace over Niger Republic that has added to the costs of airlines as they now travel longer distances and hence burn more fuel. Recall that the same challenge applied to flying over Sudan as it faced an internal crisis.
At times such as this in which aviation is experiencing disruption and uncertainty, there is the temptation to protect what organisations have while waiting for a return to what is regarded as normal. This type of strategy may be counterproductive in the face of recent changes that are now being considered a new normal – supply chain challenges, rising interest rates and sustainability challenges, among others. These disruptions may not be easily contained by trying to manage costs and raise productivity. The aviation manager may have to look for emerging pockets of growth so that they can remain resilient in the midst of volatility. This calls for innovation.
Nations were trying to wriggle out of the pandemic when the Russia–Ukraine challenge disrupted global supply chains as well as the price of crude oil in the global market. African countries felt the heat and are still going to feel more of the pains of rising food prices due to disruptions to imports of agricultural products from Ukraine. These will likely translate into rising inflation and lower GDP which will directly affect passenger numbers going forward.
The aviation industry has been evolving on a continuous basis and in recent years strategies within the industry have also undergone significant changes. The industry for instance has been investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, searching for alternative fuels, implementing carbon offset programmes and adopting more efficient operational practices to reduce emissions as part of developing sustainable strategies.
Other strategies include leveraging on digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve passenger experience as well as optimise many other processes. There has been an increased focus on customer experience especially by the Airports Council International, which is the voice of the world’s airports. The pandemic has created a more intense sense of cost optimisation as a survival strategy. In this area, airports should aim to reduce waste and expand revenue generation by leveraging innovation.
As there are new and emerging threats, so does the industry continue to evolve strategies to achieve safety and security such as investing in advanced safety technologies, implementing rigorous training programmes among others. Collaborative partnerships and exploring new frontiers such as remote and urban air mobility leveraging on advancements in electric and autonomous technologies are all part of the changing strategies in aviation.
Any strategy in aviation that will effectively achieve innovation should be adaptable and responsive to changes in the industry, advancements in technology and must keep an eye on the changes in customer expectations. For innovation to be successful, it needs to reinvent itself consistently. Aviation managers must be clear and unambiguous as to the frustration they are experiencing and need to solve, the technologies needed to create the solution they envisage and the business models or frameworks for it to be successful. The pandemic, for instance, got people to rethink how they had to operate, which is innovation. New ways of collaboration came to the fore as a result.
Aviation managers need to set the right tone and aspiration in their organisations to bring about a culture of innovation. The goals set should be clear and the same applies to vision and mission statements. Managers must inspire their organisations to want to achieve something great. There is a need for people to be educated on what they are expected to do differently. If employees and other stakeholders do not know where the airport operator for instance is headed, getting there will be an uphill task.
African aviation will need to leverage on listening, critical thinking, being technologically savvy and multidisciplinary approach to achieve innovation and build resilience in the face of emerging headwinds.
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