Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing and the number of use cases for this revolutionary technology is increasing. Advancements in machine learning (ML) and the ability to store massive amounts of data are the main factors that have enabled several industries to implement AI.
As businesses adopted AI, it was clear that AI had a place in aviation. From customer service to air traffic control (ATC), AI has impacted the aviation industry and will continue to do so as it evolves.
Below is more information about AI in aviation, how it has progressed, and the role of AI in today’s aviation industry.
AI’s Role in Aviation
AI began to flourish in the 1950s, driven by improvements in ML algorithms and standard computers becoming faster, cheaper, accessible, and storing more information. Today, the technology has skyrocketed in popularity — to the point that at least 70% of all companies are expected to adopt at least one kind of AI tech by 2030.
The aviation industry is one such industry that has used AI for decades, but its use cases were initially limited. The technology had to improve before the number of AI use cases increased. However, AI was used for intelligent maintenance, customer service, predictive tools, and supply chain improvements, among other things.
As AI began to improve, it became safer to adopt AI and companies felt more confident in their AI investments. The market for AI in aviation is expected to reach $3.69 billion by 2027, which is not too far into the future.
How AI Is Impacting Aviation Today
Current aviation professionals suggest that AI and ML will revolutionize the industry by increasing speed and efficiency, helping to manage workloads, and improving safety. This also may allow other complex technologies to be implemented, such as data ecosystems and autonomous, vision-based navigation systems.
Many manual processes in the aviation industry could be automated using AI or ML. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires shippers and manufacturers to complete a safety data sheet (SDS) before sending any chemicals or hazardous materials by air.
AI and ML solutions would be extremely helpful when managing any relevant data included on an SDS (safety data sheet). While this is a small use case, it shows how important AI is in all technical areas of the aviation industry.
What are some other specific ways companies in the aviation industry experiment with AI?
Airbus
According to the Airbus website, the company is using AI in six technical areas, including:
- Computer vision (CV)
- Knowledge extraction
- Anomaly detection
- Autonomous flight
- Decision-making
- Conversational assistance
Airbus also has one notable project in the works, called Air Superiority Tactical Assistance Real-Time Execution System (ASTARTES). The project uses AI to digitize the human-level experience to help aircraft operators with tactical coordination tasks. These tasks would be used in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). FCAS is described as a European combat “system of systems” and consists of next-generation weapons and other assets for airspace combat.
Delta Air Lines
Delta, a major U.S. air carrier, is another company using AI. Delta Air Lines was the keynote at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It announced a new AI-driven system that will help smoothen air operations when weather conditions get rough.
Delta developed and built a full-scale digital simulation of its operations, which the new AI system uses to suggest ways pilots can maneuver the aircraft during bad weather to cause the least disruption to passengers onboard.
Boeing
In 2019, Boeing announced that many of its technologists are using AI to drive assembly line efficiency improvements in South Carolina.
Boeing uses AI to improve how four of its German Broetje-Automation skin-fastening machines are assembled. This equipment is highly engineered and specifically designed for aerospace production.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is another player in aviation relying on AI for other purposes. For example, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2021 that Southwest was using a software platform called Phenom People Inc. for its recruiting efforts.
The advanced software tailors job postings, automates messaging, and uses an AI chatbot for candidate interactions. The software also uses deep-learning algorithms to score candidates on their skills and experiences, assisting the Southwest HR department with making the best hiring decisions.
Air France
In 2020, Air France created a partnership with Open Airlines to adopt AI and drive sustainability. Air France will use “Sky Breathe” technology, which uses AI, ML, and big data to analyze billions of flight data records.
After gathering data points from hundreds of thousands of past flights, the AI system determines the fuel efficiency of a flight. Then, it communicates actionable suggestions pilots can use to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The aviation industry is known as a major contributor of CO2 emissions. Still, Statista estimates that total emissions will decline to 400 million metric tons by 2050 if more sustainable fuels are used.
Alaska Airlines
It was reported in 2021 that Alaska Airlines leveraged AI to work alongside its flight dispatchers. Flight dispatchers in the aviation industry decide which routes each aircraft should take to reach its destination and are licensed by the FAA. Dispatchers share legal responsibility for the safety of a flight along with pilots.
Alaska Airlines adopted an AI system from a small startup in Silicon Valley to help dispatchers make more informed decisions about flight routes. The AI system can predict variables like air traffic and weather, sometimes even better than an experienced flight planner.
Aside from these companies listed above, other entities in the aviation sector have experimented with AI solutions. For example, the U.S. Air Force leverages AI to catch unusual flight patterns and other errors during pilot training.
The Air Force worked with Crowdbotics, an AI/ML firm, to analyze flight data like avionics and flight telemetry. While the AI technology will help the Air Force improve takeoff and landing procedures, it’s expected to provide even more value as the project evolves.
The Future of AI in the Aviation Industry
AI is expected to transform almost every sector and the aviation industry is no exception. Because aviation relies on such advanced technologies, advanced AI solutions are needed and will play critical roles in driving aviation innovation. It will be fascinating to see what other feats the aviation industry can accomplish by leveraging AI technology.
