An industry that has safety, efficiency, reliability and security at the heart of everything it does, develops and provides to people around the world, Aviation has always been right on the cutting-edge of technological innovation and advancement.
And with the demands on the aviation industry growing, that isn’t likely to change. In commercial aviation for example, the ever-growing number of people exploring the globe via air travel dictates a constant drive to improve the experience of airline passengers, both in the air and on the ground, and to make aircraft easier, safer and more reliable to fly, navigate and operate.
Thankfully, technology continues to step up, with Artificial Intelligence becoming a hugely important and useful tool for tackling aviation’s unique and complex needs. Read on to find out more about how and why AI is making an impact, and its growing influence on commercial aviation in particular.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Flight Operations and Safety
Efficient, reliable flight operations and the very highest possible safety are paramount to aviation companies and Artificial Intelligence and its multitude of applications and capabilities is already playing a key role in the way that the industry’s biggest organisations meet their own requirements, as well as those of the people they serve.
Boeing and Airbus, two of the largest aviation companies in the world, have introduced AI to overcome a variety of potential challenges in the way they operate. Boeing’s Airplane Health Management system for example is used to monitor their aircraft in flight and predict and highlight possible maintenance issues much more quickly than a human may be able to do so, allowing for these issues to be sorted before they become a potential safety concern. Airbus, meanwhile, are utilising AI-driven platform Skywise to find new and better ways to optimise flight routes; operate their aircraft more efficiently; and predict possible technical issues.
Airlines are benefitting from Artificial Intelligence’s capabilities to streamline their operations too. British Airways are using AI to predict and pre-emptively correct potential faults within their over 280-aircraft-strong fleet, and already experiences operational improvements as a result; whilst EasyJet have implemented AI in their new Integrated Control Centre, which manages its daily flight programme of approximately 2000 flights.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service and Engagement
Artificial Intelligence’s role in aviation goes way beyond what happens behind an aircraft hanger’s doors. Increasingly AI is by airlines to streamline and improve communications with customers and overall customer service and experience at various points of contact.
As is the case with companies across many industries and sectors, airlines are becoming increasingly reliant on the use of AI-powered chatbots on the websites and mobile apps, which utilise the power of AI and its ability to garner and distribute relevant information – including that which is specific to individual customers – quickly, efficiently and in a user-friendly way.
It is revolutionising the way airlines can answer queries, assist with bookings, provide up-to-date flight information, and even provide in-flight experiences tailored to passengers’ requests and requirements.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Airport Operations
Airports are taking every possible step to streamline and seamlessly improve the experience that passengers have when they pass through en route to their destination or on their return home. And guess what? Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of it.
For example, some airports are implementing AI-powered baggage handling systems that’ll not only make baggage handling easier, more efficient and more reliable, but also potentially help to reduce an airport’s carbon footprint through a reduction in luggage label printing and other paperwork. And anyone who has been through arrivals at a UK airport would have seen how passport control has been streamlined with digital passport checking machines and software, which use AI to check a passenger’s passport against national and international databases.
Airside airport operations are in the midst of an Artificial Intelligence revolution too; and even helping to reduce the impact of out-of-human-control factors such as weather conditions. In 2024, a trial conducted at London Heathrow airport by NATS – the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control – in collaboration Searidge Technologies, utilised technology including advanced AI systems to track weather patterns and visibility with the aim of enhancing the airport’s landing capacity during low visibility.
The Future Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Commercial Aviation
Artificial Intelligence has, is and will continue to make a huge impact on the aviation industry as a whole. Looking ahead to what’s to come for airlines and their passengers specifically, the future of AI-influenced and driven commercial aviation is incredibly bright.
The streamlining and improving of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance through AI is only just beginning; as is the shaping of passenger experience, on the ground and in the air. And the most exciting developments are still on the horizon… flights aboard fully autonomous, AI-piloted aircraft anyone?
