Insights from BCD Travel’s 2024 A&D Client Forum

A 2025 roadmap for business travel in the A&D sector

The Forum was a chance for attendees to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and discuss strategies for navigating the evolving A&D landscape. Over two days, BCD leaders hosted and facilitated thought-provoking discussions surrounding a detailed roadmap to addressing digital transformation, security compliance, and enhanced traveler experiences for stakeholders and travelers in the space.

In attendance from BCD were Stephan Baars, CEO; Craig Bailey, President Americas; Amy Dalton, Senior Vice President Americas; Jen Fernandez, Director Operations; Frank Jackson, Vice President for Application Development & Design; Tammy Moon, Senior Director Product Planning; Saurin Shah, Vice President Product Planning; Debbie Eaton Smith, Operations Technology Director; Vincent Stunja, Director for Performance Solutions; and John Wenzelman, Vice President Supplier Relations. Advito Senior Director Matthew Patterson also hosted a session.

Enhancing the end-to-end A&D Travel experience

BCD’s roadmap emphasized a seamless, integrated travel experience through digital solutions like our award-winning TripSource® for total business travel management. The A&D TripSource configuration will include specific A&D requirements such as Fly America Act, automated low fare documentation and hotel per diems to ensure adherence to policy and government compliance. Our data and analytics platform, DecisionSource, provides real-time reporting and industry benchmarking for government compliance, enabling robust travel program management – a critical need as A&D grapples with increasing regulatory complexity.

Commitment to compliance and security

With cybersecurity a growing concern across industries, investing in enhanced security certifications is now a priority, including compliance with NIST 800-171 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This ensures that sensitive client data is protected amid rising global cyber threats, a trend that was noted as a concern in 2024 and will remain relevant next year.

Advancing digital tools and automation

Digital transformation is central to A&D strategy. Some upcoming BCD projects include automating repetitive travel management tasks and reducing consultant touches through AI-powered innovations. These efforts align with the broader industry shift toward AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance, compliance auditing, and real-time data insights. The upgrade of our recent contact center platforms will enhance both the speed, automation and traveler experience across the A&D global footprint. BCD Travel’s unique partnership with travel spend optimization leader Oversee, (formerly FairFly) has allowed us to launch on shore price assurance solutions in air and hotel for the A&D sector.

BCD’s strategic response to industry trends

Here’s how BCD is preparing for A&D trends predicted to shape the year ahead:

• Supply chain resilience and advanced technologies: The A&D sector’s reliance on complex supply chains and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning is driving our investment in AI-powered travel management tools, ensuring greater efficiency and adaptability.
• Global expansion and air travel growth: As commercial air travel and defense spending continue to rise globally, we’re poised to support growing client needs with advanced asset management platforms, customized customer reporting, and price assurance tools.
• Workforce transformation: In response to an evolving talent landscape, BCD’s training initiatives for A&D-specific customer service and government compliance ensure that travel consultants remain equipped to meet high industry expectations.

Working together to achieve more in A&D

BCD is the market leader in managing Aerospace & Defense travel needs across more than 100 countries. Our advanced global platform delivers the industry’s best technology, supporting all traveler types – even non-profiled individuals traveling for your company. Count on us to provide your travelers with the information, tools, and expert support they need to stay on the move.

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