Airlines without wings

Word on the street is, Air France and KLM are thinking of ways to diversify their core business as the world becomes more connected through ultra-fast broadband.

Technology and communications giant Cisco informally mentioned its discussions with the airlines at a media briefing in Auckland on Tuesday. 

Cisco internet business solutions group head of connected urban development Bas Boorsma said the airlines were realising that with the emergence of tele-presence technology (high speed ultra-clear broadband connectivity) people were starting to travel less for business.

Mr Boorsma, based in Amsterdam, said he had started talking to the airlines about how the two companies could collaborate. Both Air France and KLM are thinking of investing in communication hubs in airports and around cities, where people can hold meetings and use its tele-presence technology. Frequent users of the conference rooms would gain airpoints.

Mr Boorsma said the concept of airlines thinking beyond their core business, beyond their current business model was both inspiriting and innovative. “It’s thinking about travel without wings,” he said.

He added these airlines would become enablers of knowledge and information, that business would be conducted through ultra-fast fibre pipes instead of always by plane. This in turn will also reduce carbon emissions and the affect the aviation industry is having on the planet.

Mr Boorsma said a formal agreement was yet to be signed but that such communication and forward thinking is what businesses need to do to maximise on the expansion of the digital age.