Aviation Futures: an interactive journey through space and time

Emerging trends in aviation – such as the development and commercialisation of alternative fuels (primarily SAF and Hydrogen), biometrics and digital identity management, autonomous vehicles and support operations, and the growing market of alternative mobility options (eVTOLs, rail sector advancement) – will have a transformative impact on the finances, design and experience of how we fly.

3D modelling can help visualise, test and de-risk this transformation for stakeholders in a low-cost, flexible setting. The virtual environment is an optimal setting to showcase latest technological assets and build an investment case and visibility for innovation. Additionally, it is an effective medium to test and demonstrate impact, along with provocative storytelling.

This tool is the first step towards creating a virtual environment that captures the complexity of airport operations and infrastructure, and the multiplicity of futures that could emerge based on current trends. It uses Glasgow Airport as an initial context to situate wider provocations concerning the trajectory of UK aviation and passenger experience into the future.