Artificial Intelligence can learn from airline regulatory framework

August 1st 2023

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Increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into aviation will be massively beneficial. Read More » Indeed, it has the potential to revolutionize operations at airlines and airports, aircraft and engine manufacturers and the industry’s suppliers. Already, it is gathering and analyzing data, resulting in improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. In an industry often volatile financially, AI contributes to revenue optimization, best use of aircraft fleets and improved flight planning and ground operations.

Leading global aerospace manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, are using AI to develop better aircraft and speed the design and certification of their products.

Critically, because there is some fear about the impact of AI, sector experts do not believe it will take complete control of human decision-making. There will be human involvement in any application of AI, they believe, and predict it will contribute significantly to increasing air safety, in an industry already accepted as incredibly safe.

Could AI deliver an accident-free industry by providing new conflict detection, traffic advisory and resolution tools? Daily, those working in aviation face complex scenarios that must be resolved rapidly. AI can support pilots, air traffic controllers, airport operators, flow controllers and even cyber security officers in reaching better conclusions and making better decisions across all sectors of airline operations.

As air traffic continues to increase, more precise application of aviation data will lead to more accurate predictions, more sophisticated tools, increased productivity and enhanced use of scarce resources such as congested airspace and runways.

Having said that, a fear AI ultimately will lead to autonomous aircraft operating flights without human pilots and only robots at the controls is just plain silly.

Even if, as some forecasters suggest, the aircraft cockpit of the future could be manned by a single pilot and an AI robot, it is unlikely passengers will accept such a situation. It may ease fears of pilot shortages, but travellers want to be assured there are two pilots on the flight deck.

Critically, AI technology is advancing so rapidly – scientists say AI is at a point they did not think would arrive for another decade – there must be international regulation governing the application of AI in aviation.

The industry must ensure AI creates a supportive ecosystem that encourages innovation, addresses regulatory challenges and the ethical use of AI in aviation.

TOM BALLANTYNE
Associate editor and chief correspondent
Orient Aviation Media Group