All Episodes

June 26, 2025 68 mins

We're back with another episode up in the air at 36,000ft and going even higher with a guest joining us on the move while on-ground. Shashank Nigam (CEO of aviation consultancy Simpliflying) joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of the aviation industry, focusing on sustainability, connectivity innovations, and the role of technology in enhancing customer experience.

We even explore the challenges and opportunities presented by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the importance of airports in shaping the future of air travel. All while being focused on the Middle East region and the aviation players that have disrupted the status quo.


Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast

(01:30) Let's introduce our guest

(04:30) Recent Boeing Aircraft Orders

(05:35) The Impact of Technology on Air Travel

(08:05) Riyadh Air's product strategy

(09:04) In-flight Wi-Fi connectivity

(11:37) The early path for in-flight connectivity

(14:05) Enhancing Customer Experience with Connectivity

(16:37) Personalized AI interactions for travellers

(18:17) AI resolving a major issue

(21:05) Airline apps that made inconveniences better

(23:34) Airports as Key Differentiators

(24:32) A Long-Term Vision for Smart Airports

(26:14) The Role of Pre-Clearance Facilities

(30:44) Innovative Funding for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

(33:03) Corporate Responsibility in Aviation Sustainability

(36:44) Evolving Technologies and Government Policies in Aviation

(39:59) Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Aviation

(46:54) Navigating Connectivity Challenges

(49:33) Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Middle East

(52:16) Innovative Airport Designs for Sustainability

(54:49) Leadership in Aviation Sustainability

(56:03) Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

(56:19) Navigating Connectivity Challenges

(57:28) Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Middle East

(01:00:12) Leadership in Aviation Sustainability

(01:03:22) The Future of Airports and Airlines

(01:06:26) Closing Thoughts and Future Insights


---

If you're keen to suggest topics that you'd want to hear more about with a Middle East focus, follow us on our accounts below and drop us a message. You can also suggest it ⁠⁠⁠⁠via Google Forms⁠⁠⁠.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.