At the Future Aviation Forum 2024, Bain & Company partner Akram Alami was one of the moderators of a session on the emergence of new business models in the aviation sector.
The 2024 edition of the Future Aviation Forum brought together over 30 ministers, 70 leaders of civil aviation authorities, CEOs of airlines worldwide, 5,000 aviation industry experts, and leaders from more than 120 countries to discuss some of the top trends in the aviation and aerospace sector.
The forum served as a pivotal platform for discussing key issues related to growth, investment, airports, air connectivity, supply-chain management, resilience, human capital, and sustainability.
Akram Alami, Partner and Middle East Head of Aviation at Bain & Company, played a role in shaping the event’s agenda, appointed moderator of the session ‘Aviation Business Models’.
“The session tackled the forward-looking view on the transformation of the global aviation ecosystem and explored how ecosystem coordination, operating models, advanced digital technologies and an increased focus on sustainability are transforming the aviation sector,”
reflected Alami.
The CEOs of Riyadh Airport Company, Flyadeal and Saudia Technic, along with the Senior Director for Aviation at PIF and the CFO of Riyadh Air joined the panel discussion.
The panelists emphasized the need for airlines, airports, and other ecosystem players to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions to transform their business models effectively.
Not surprisingly, technology is a key opportunity and priority, said the panellists. Industry players are pioneering the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, with advancements in AI unlocking numerous new use cases for airlines and airports. Panelists also highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches in improving customer experiences and operational efficiency.
The discussions on sustainability emphasized how a heightened focus on sustainable practices is reshaping business models, enhancing the sector, and reducing environmental impact.
“There is no more exciting investment space for the sector globally, and what we heard from the panel was not only inspirational but only practical when it comes to execution of the transformation agenda of the sector,”
noted Alami.
“Investing in coordinated operating models not only supports economic growth across all subsectors in the industry. The potential benefits are immense, from improved customer experiences at airports to the development of a more resilient and sustainable aviation ecosystem.”
Akram has nearly 20 years of experience, gained both in consulting and industry. Prior to rejoining Bain in 2021, he was Chief Transformation Officer at The Etihad Aviation Group, delivering a multi-billion EBIT-focused program and was lead executive in delivering the change management plan.
At Bain & Company, he leads the Aviation sector practice in the Middle East, and is a senior member of the Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability & Responsibility practices.
In the Middle East, Bain & Company ranks among the leading aviation consulting firms.
Sourced from: Consultancy ME