Innovation in the Air Transport Industry

I found a video titled "Driving Innovation in the Air Transport Industry" and found it very interesting. It begins with discussing how, with personal computers and the internet, IT development has been evolving at greater speeds. They shared a statistic of 3.3 Billion cell phone users and 1.4 billion internet users. They then go on to discuss the "digital traveler" who carry at least one mobile device while traveling and expect information to be available to them on their mobile devices. Innovation will thrive in this environment as it provides many opportunities for innovation. IT innovators aim for travelers to have the ability to research, book, and pay for flights(including excess baggage) all on their phones. Travelers can check in from almost anywhere from their phone while also having access to information on gate closings, rescheduled flights, and assistance on these rescheduled flights. When landing at their destination, biometrics another fascinating innovation) will further streamline the process and guides through the new airport will also be available via mobile devices.
This will not only assist Travelers but also airport employees. IT has the ability to put all persons at the airport in touch with each other in real time. Better communication between airport authorities, operators, ground handlers, and suppliers results in improvements to on-time performance, aircraft turnaround, flight safety, and air worthiness. These developments will also benefit the environment. This effective communication will ensure that aircrafts are performing in the most efficient ways.
The current technological environment and the increasing amount of travelers using mobile devices pave the way for more innovation. The video does mention, however, that there are some challenges with this plan. Innovations does not come free from challenge but we must rise to the challenge and be driven by a passion for innovation.

Innovation

Innovation Definition from Braden Kelley on Vimeo.

Innovation is a word that everyone is somewhat familiar with but everyone may have differing definitions. Our textbook focuses the entire 1st chapter on this subject so it is hard to find one short and concise definition. Since this class is going to focus on innovation, I thought I might try to see how others might define innovation. I found this video on vimeo by a man named Braden Kelley and I thought he described innovation in a clear, understanding way. He defined innovation as a way to "transform useful seeds of invention into solutions valued above every existing alternative". He discusses the example of Quicken, a financial software product that was created through the innovation. He then goes on to say that Quicken, while successful now, needs to keep up with newer products on the market especially those on the internet such as Mint. He elaborates this point by expressing the importance of the consistence of innovation. Innovation is not one single solution that will last forever. Creators and organizations need to constantly use innovation to continue to provide effective and useful products for the world today.