What's Happening?
Turboprop manufacturer ATR is leveraging smartphone GPS data to gain insights into travel patterns, aiming to identify underserved air transport markets and enhance network planning. According to Alexis Vidal, ATR's Senior Vice President of Commercial,
the company is acquiring large datasets from GPS-enabled devices, such as smartphones, to monitor travel routes and speeds. This data, which is anonymized, helps ATR understand current travel patterns rather than predicting future mobility trends. The initiative, known as MobilityMonitor, is a collaboration with Georgia Tech University and provides insights into billions of trips, focusing on regional networks within a 400 nautical mile range. ATR has already applied this analysis to markets in India and the U.S., with plans to expand to other countries, including Indonesia and Brazil.
Why It's Important?
The use of GPS data by ATR highlights a significant shift in how air transport markets are analyzed and developed. By understanding current travel patterns, ATR can identify potential markets for expansion, particularly in regions with low air travel penetration. For instance, in the U.S., only 4% of intercity journeys are conducted by air, suggesting a substantial opportunity for growth in air travel. This data-driven approach could lead to increased demand for regional aircraft, benefiting manufacturers and airlines by opening new routes and increasing passenger numbers. Additionally, it supports more efficient network planning, potentially reducing costs and improving service for travelers.
What's Next?
ATR plans to continue expanding its MobilityMonitor analysis to additional countries, with Brazil identified as a particularly interesting market due to its numerous secondary and tertiary airports. The insights gained from this data could lead to increased aircraft demand, as seen with Indian regional airline FLY91, which plans to expand its fleet significantly. As ATR partners with universities and companies worldwide, the potential for further innovation in air transport market analysis and planning is substantial. This could result in more tailored and efficient air travel solutions, benefiting both airlines and passengers.
