Innovation in the new aviation environment begins with airline liberalisation and other government initiatives such as privatisation. In particular, the creative canvas painted by low cost airlines has catalysed change rapidly over the past two years¹. Gate One 2006 looks at cutting edge themes offered by many industry leaders – and they are not always the big organisations!
Partly by coincidence, there is a flurry of innovative, new generation, aircraft types about to arrive in the market. These new long range aircraft, with special impacts on hub-hub and point to point services, are already reshaping the global focus of aviation, even before they fly – for example emphasising the role of the Gulf region and its rapidly emerging airlines.
And, at the root of the business is the often reluctant (corporate and leisure) traveller, whether because of terrorism fears, of weariness with unfriendly airport environments, ugly behaviour by airlines over promising or just the physically gruelling process of travel. The profile is changing, demographically and emotionally. New strategies need to be addressed towards these new patterns.
In this fresh and provocative look at innovation, Gate One seeks to offer direction and best practice indicators to the industry. How are the world’s airports meeting these challenges and where do they see the future direction of airport development.
¹ It also emphasises the role of the airport retail industry and brands as part of that community. | 
