[Presentation] SimpliFlying Goes Interactive At French Connect 2013- #FConnect2013

On Sunday 30th June, I joined over 40 airlines and 100 airports as we were warmly welcomed to the 10th anniversary of French Connect and the spectacular Bordeaux region, to discuss partnerships and air service network development.

In 2012, French regional airports reported growth of 6.1% and in 2013 over 150 new routes have already been announced, so it was no surprise to see so many French and European airport & airline delegates join our interactive workshop, as we took a deep dive into passenger behaviour and key marketing trends.

Our recent report on the state of airport marketing explains, airports are increasingly competing to attract passengers from nearby airports as well as simultaneously improving their route network. This has led to a number of airports investing in innovative products and service initiatives in order to differentiate the airport experience and, ultimately become a preferred airport of choice to passengers.

The interactive session discussed the impact of today’s connected traveller and the extraordinary implications that this digital and mobile revolution has for every airport, as the ‘connected traveller’ expects airports to be accessible in their “pockets”, whilst receiving excellent customer service on the go, as well as a more tailored airport experience.

@Cork_Airport is at Industry Briefing: The Connected Traveller, Connected Airport @_FrenchConnect @SimpliMcMullen @simpliflying #Bordeaux

— Cork Airport Ireland (@Cork_Airport) June 30, 2013

Airports now have the opportunity to overcome their traditional weakness versus airlines: the lack of customer data. By mining social and  location-based information, airports can target very specific demographics and build a base of social advocates while gaining greater knowledge of the travellers passing through their terminals. This new-found power can be used by airports to drive goals as varied as  better customer service, tailored passenger experiences to even innovative air service development.

A handful of global airports are taking things a whole lot further, researching ways in which social media and customer engagement strategy can be aligned to air service development goals.

During the session, I predicted that in 12  months time, over 50% of the airports in the room would have a social customer engagement strategy to include innovative air service development initiatives. Based on the reaction of the airports, airlines & industry suppliers who have since requested a meeting to sit down and discuss how they equip themselves with the tools and know-how to conquer this digital marketing revolution – it may happen even sooner!

Please enjoy my Prezi and the many airport & airline case studies below:

SimpliFlying is an aviation marketing strategy firm headquartered in Singapore.

In everything we do, we believe in thinking differently about aviation marketing. We understand the intersection of aviation and marketing better than anyone else in the industry and have the most experience, most success and most clients.

We have worked with over 30 airlines and airports across the world, including the likes of Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Toronto  Pearson Airport, Kuala Lumpur International and others like Bombardier and Airbus. A number of our initiatives have won  international recognition and awards. We offer consulting, training and speaking services globally.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, or are eager to help your airport move into the next stage of engagement to stay ahead of  competition – feel free to reach out to me today (david@simpliflying.com) to explore how your organisation can drive business goals and solid results.

Here’s a selection of tweets from the live #FConnect2013 workshop and a Vine Happy Birthday video for French Connect:

@Cork_Airport attending @SimpliMcMullen workshop on The Connected Traveller @_FrenchConnect pic.twitter.com/NT5dKp1ElG — Cork Airport Ireland (@Cork_Airport) June 30, 2013

#FConnect2013 @SimpliMcMullen makes a bet: “I’d say that in 12 months a further 50% of this audience will have a full social media strategy. — Bernie Baldwin (@BernieBaldwin) June 30, 2013

David McMullen @Simpliflying says over next 12 months 500 million passengers will travel on a wifi enabled flight #FConnect2013 — Alex Thomas (@FGAlexT) June 30, 2013

@FGAlexT airports should stop chasing fans & likes & concentrate on key bus goals – customer service , loyalty & retail opps #FConnect2013 — David McMullen (@SimpliMcMullen) June 30, 2013

Happy 10th Birthday French Connect:

[VINE video] Happy 10th Birthday French Connect #FConnect2013 https://t.co/MThkYYXHVu

— David McMullen (@SimpliMcMullen) July 1, 2013