Sir Tim Clark’s Forecast: Biometrics and Windowless Airplanes
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The incredible pace of technological change, coupled with the rapid rise of new trends, might concern some in the airline industry, but certainly not Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates. “This revolution is the most wonderful thing – you shouldn’t be scared of it,” said Clark during his question-and-answer keynote address with presenter of BBC Ben Richardson. “If you wait too long, others will get there in front of you,” he added.
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Clark has led Emirates for over 30 years, and while the airline has grown to a world-spanning mega-carrier, it has maintained its focus on a high standard of passenger experience. “We have this ethos that the enhancement to the passenger product – whether in tech areas or in the cabin – must still continue,” he said.
“If you wait too long, others will get there in front of you.” – Tim Clark, Emirates
Clark believes new tech will influence the very structure of the airplanes we’ll be flying in the future, dramatically altering the passenger experience. “We will have windowless airplanes; we’ll have fuselages that are completely composite with no windows at all.” He explained that virtual windows will be fed by cameras located all over the airframe, enabling passengers to control what they’d like to see.
Without windows, he expects airplanes will fly higher and faster. Clark also predicts technology will improve the current state of airports. “The airports of today, with rare exceptions, are really not up to standard at all.”
He believes that advancements in biometrics will help deal with the touchpoints that frustrate passengers, from check-in and security to the shopping experience, so when travelers walk in, they’ll drop their bags and just keep walking. “These things are going to come, and people are going to be shocked and stunned, but we have to be ready and brave enough to take those decisions,” he said.