"Post-digital" generations - those born since 1981 - will form just over two-thirds of the global population by 2025.
This statistic is at the heart of how fundamental changes are required in the aviation sector over the course of the coming decade, and beyond.
A report from SITA last week found digital travelers are demanding more automation and hands-on control during every stage of their journey, including using their mobile phones to access baggage location notifications, boarding information and payments.
Couple this requirement on the tech side with the projections from IATA about potential passenger numbers (double current levels within 20 years) and it is clear that the industry needs to think carefully about the provision for technology that also matches the expectations of customers.
During the World Aviation Festival 2019 in London, PhocusWire spoke to SITA CEO Barbara Dalibard about the report and both the opportunities and challenges facing the entire sector.
PhocusWire @ WAF 2019 - SITA on a massive move to connecting the digital dots in aviation
World Aviation Festival 2019
We interviewed execs from across the aviation landscape, including airlines, manufacturers and tech vendors, during the three-day event in London.