Mobility and logistics sessions forAutoalan KeskusliittoSlovakiaTechLondon Borough of HounslowWISTA InternationalCorporate World IntelligenceManagement Events
Featured inBloombergThe Wall Street JournalThe Telegraph
About this TV interview
In the coming decades the aviation industry will, arguably, see more change than it has in the past century, whether it's because of the introduction of pilotless aircraft, or electric aircraft, and or because in the future airlines will increasingly find themselves competing with new modes of regional and inter-continental travel, from Mach 1 and Mach 3 hyperloop trains, to Mach 27 rockets that will transport anyone to the other side of the planet in just 30 minutes or less. And all of that is before we discuss how the aircraft of the future will be 3D printed, designed by creative machines, and the impact that all the new emerging technologies I discuss on a regular basis have on the customer experience. It was my privilege to be interviewed by APEX Insider on the topic and you can read the article and view the video below, or online here.
In this episode of APEX Insider, founder of the 311 Institute and self-proclaimed “fanatical futurist” Matthew Griffin takes APEX Media director Maryann Simson on a journey into the far-future of aviation. He makes no bones about it, admitting “The future is weird.”
So, what will aviation look like between 2020 and 2070? Futurist Matthew Griffin says biometrics will go far beyond the iris scanners and facial recognition technology passengers are used to today. Instead, he claims artificial intelligence will be able to “determine criminal intent,” and Wi-Fi will be able “to detect whether or not people are ill.”
And all this is just the tip of the iceberg
Griffin predicts cabin interiors will also become increasingly intelligent, with 3D printed dyes that allow cabin colors and designs to change with the flick of a light switch.
Finally, new technology will change the way we power our aircraft, says Griffin. He believes that, by using “photovoltaic technologies, graphene batteries, piezoelectric fabrics and carbon nanotube fabrics,” aircraft will be able to generate their own energy rather than relying on fossil fuels or more traditional batteries.
The interview points to Mach 1 and Mach 3 hyperloop trains and Mach 27 rockets that could reach the other side of the planet in 30 minutes or less. Airlines may stop competing only with each other. Leadership teams should test their route plans against these options.
Aircraft change how they are made.
Griffin says future aircraft will be 3D printed and designed by creative machines. 3D printing is already at readiness level 9 in our data, with wide use expected by 2036. Design and supply chain teams should start now.
Power and cabins become smarter.
Griffin expects aircraft to generate their own energy rather than rely on fossil fuels or traditional batteries. He also expects cabins whose colours and designs change with a light switch. Both shift what passengers expect and what operators must invest in.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
Which new modes of travel could take our routes first?
How ready is our supply chain for printed aircraft parts?
What passenger data would we collect if biometrics advance as described?
The trends and technologies behind this session
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
What does this session mean for organisations in aviation?
It signals change in who competes with airlines, how aircraft are built and powered, and how passengers are screened. Organisations should treat these as planning questions for the coming decades, not distant ideas.
How does it relate to autonomous aircraft?
Griffin lists pilotless aircraft as one driver of change. Our data rates autonomous aircraft as a Watch item, with wide use expected around 2045.
How does it relate to aircraft electrification?
The interview names electric aircraft and self-powered designs. Our data rates aircraft electrification as a Watch item, with wide use expected around 2045, and graphene batteries around 2038.
How can 311 brief our leadership team on this?
Through a private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector, in person first.
Bring this to your leadership teamA private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector. In person first, anywhere in the world.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s session and 311 data.
If Matthew gave this session today
Whole industries may soon be disrupted in a day.
The codex sets out the forces accelerating global disruption and how close we are to disrupting whole industries in a day, the same forces that could flatten or eliminate today's supply chains.
