The Aviation industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological innovation, sustainability imperatives, and evolving passenger expectations. The recent Airport Show 2025 in Dubai offered a critical glimpse into this future, highlighting the cutting-edge innovations shaping the landscape for airports, airlines, travellers, and service partners. Experts from OCS attended the event, sharing their insights on what lies ahead for facility management for the Aviation sector.
A key takeaway from the show is the sheer scale of investment in the Aviation sector. Experts attending Airport Show 2025 indicated an investment of US$1 trillion in global aviation projects. South Asia, particularly India, is witnessing rapid expansion and modernisation of airports, with plans on track to establish 220 new airports by 2030.
India’s Aviation sector alone is expected to attract approximately US$12 billion in investment by 2030, targeting greenfield airports, expanding existing facilities, and upgrading infrastructure. This investment highlights the industry’s commitment to growth and modernisation in Aviation.
“Tomorrow’s airports are being reimagined as intelligent, sustainable ecosystems; where every journey is personalised, green innovation powers every terminal, and data drives decisions. OCS is already supporting multiple airports across India to transform operations, deliver seamless, passenger-centric experiences and achieve sustainability.”
Sunil Parate
Sr. Vice President – Aviation Vertical – OCS India
Bikram Singh Bhadauria, OCS India – Aviation Facility Management expert at Airport Show 2025, Dubai
Expert Viewpoint: What’s the Next Leap for Aviation?
The show featured extensive discussions with over 70 industry leaders across more than 30 sessions. Panel discussions shed light on critical areas. These included AI-powered operations, green infrastructure, and how sustainability is fundamentally shaping the future of Aviation Facility Management. The central focus was undeniably on technological innovation and future-ready infrastructure. Industry experts emphasised that investment in adopting emerging technologies is crucial to seizing opportunities presented by worldwide airport development projects in the Aviation sector.
Can AI Really Replace FM Managers?
Experts shared insights, concluding that AI serves more as a collaborative tool for Aviation Facility Management rather than a replacement. While AI excels at handling large data sets crucial for effective Aviation Facility Management, human judgment remains irreplaceable for interpreting and applying AI outputs. Professionals in Aviation Facility Management need to enhance their skills to keep up with the industry demands. Adaptability has always been essential for successful Aviation Facility Management, but sharpening of ‘AI and analytical skills’ will be key to staying ahead.
Are airports ready for AI-Driven Facility Management?
Despite AI’s potential in Aviation Facility Management, implementing it, especially in sensitive environments like airports, is challenging. Resistance to any emerging technology is natural, and while some customers fully embrace AI, many express concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. Addressing these issues is vital for wider adoption in Aviation industry.
Driving Smarter, Sustainable Airport Operations
The Airport Show was a valuable platform to showcase Aviation IFM solutions and explore collaborations for driving smarter, more sustainable Aviation Facility Management operations. As a leading global Aviation service provider, OCS continues to contribute through innovation, best practices, and a focus on safety, security, and sustainability. Collaboration and knowledge exchange are key drivers of progress for the entire Aviation industry.
“Collaboration and knowledge exchange are key drivers of progress, and we look forward to engaging with partners, AI experts and keep exploring opportunities that support the growth of this vital sector.”
Bikram Singh Bhadauria
Senior Vice President – OCS India