Top tips: Fly high with AI—benefits of artificial intelligence in aviation

Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’ll look at two ways AI is optimizing flying for the passenger as well as the airline.

"Brace! Brace! Brace!"

Simple request. Serious consequences. Something that could get even the most vocal atheist to start praying. Something that no one would ever wish to hear in their lifetime.

Despite the apparent risks involved with elevating yourself to high altitudes in sealed and pressurized jet-propelled tubes whilst fully trusting in someone else's ability to steer said tube safely to your destination, air travel is statistically the safest form of travel in the world. Experts claim that you would have as much chance of being involved in a plane crash as you would have with winning a lottery.

It's safe to say we're living in the safest era of aviation. The well-meaning missteps of industry pioneers in the early days have been a driving force for continuous change and optimization in aviation technology over the decades to the point of near-perfection, where the difference between the de Havilland Comet from 1952 and the soon-to-be launched Boeing 777X is night and day.

In today's technology landscape, "continuous change and optimization" comes in the form of AI. Having found itself a place in almost every vertical, it's no surprise that AI is being broadly implemented and is thriving in the aviation industry as well. From enhancing safety for passengers to cutting costs for airlines and manufacturers, the applications of AI in aviation are manifold. We'll group these applications into two categories and get into it with a fair amount of detail.

1. Safety

Of course, no amount of technological progress in the aviation industry will ever make sense without prioritizing safety and this is where AI's contribution would hold the most intrinsic value. AI-driven decision-making and effective early warning systems result in more efficient operations. A key area where AI's impact can be quantified is predictive maintenance.

Modern aircrafts come with thousands of health monitoring sensors among other sensors that are meant to collect in-flight data. AI models can analyze data from thousands of flights and identify patterns that can lead to potential mechanical problems. Airlines and manufacturers are then given enough time to address these problems before they escalate to full blown failures or, even worse, air crashes.

Air traffic control also benefits greatly from AI. ML algorithms help controllers analyze traffic patterns, weather conditions, aircraft positions in crowded airspaces to suggest safer routes and predict potential conflicts in real time.

A crucial area where AI helps in safety is in pilot training and support. AI-powered simulators now offer customized experiences tailored to individual needs. Rigorous and repeated simulations for high-skill and emergency situations help first officers stay prepared to handle any situation like an experienced captain.

Last but not least, AI is putting sniffer dogs out of business, providing ground safety and security at airports. AI-powered cameras and sensors can detect odd behavior and unattended baggage, quickly alerting security.

Overall, these advanced AI-powered security systems provide passengers and staff with an added layer of security and are becoming an indispensable tool in aviation safety.

2.  Efficiency

Safety might be paramount for a frequent flier, but we all know "big airlines" will put efficiency first any day. Streamlining operations, optimizing resources, and reducing costs all hold top priority with airlines and aircraft manufacturers, and AI has a major role to play in helping them achieve these targets.

Airport operations are being highly optimized by AI, which can now manage passenger flow from check-in to gate-side through real-time monitoring and analysis. The Dubai airport is already doing this by adjusting its staffing levels to manage crowds by studying foot traffic in key areas. It's also replacing passport control stations with AI-powered face recognition, massively reducing operational costs.

AI is also impacting maintenance scheduling, shifting from reactive to predictive models. Airlines can use this technology and plan services and replacement by analyzing the flight data collected from aircraft sensors. This helps avoid unnecessary maintenance, reduce downtime, and keep aircraft in service for longer durations while also adhering to safety standards.

Also, crew scheduling and management can be done more effectively using AI. Airlines can assign staff more effectively based on availability and flight needs, reducing scheduling conflicts and complying with labor laws. Crew fatigue can be an operational liability as well as a safety issue, and this can also be greatly controlled using AI.

Airlines right now are willingly implementing technology that can greatly optimize their operations, improve services, and increase the overall customer experience, all while saving them money, and AI seems like the perfect candidate to get the job done.

Go the extra mile with AI

As AI continues to soar alongside modern aviation, its impact is reshaping the skies for the better. Safer flights, smoother operations, and personalized passenger experiences are in high demand, and AI promises to deliver just that. As airlines, airports, and aviation professionals embrace these innovations, passengers worldwide can look forward to journeys that are not only faster and more efficient but also safer and more enjoyable.