The Transformative Effect of AI on the Aviation Industry

By Wanjiku Ng'ang'a

Picture a world where the skies knew no limits and airplanes became the elegant messengers of human ingenuity, where AI breathes life into every facet of the aviation industry. As the sun painted the horizon with hues of gold, a symphony of jet engines roared to life. The bustling airports were the beating hearts of this extraordinary world, buzzing with energy and anticipation. 

Passengers from diverse backgrounds, filled with excitement and dreams, embarked on their remarkable journeys. In this wondrous age, technology intertwined seamlessly with the wings of aircraft. The marvels of engineering pushed boundaries, creating sleek and efficient machines that defied gravity. The cabin doors closed with a satisfying click, sealing travelers in a world where adventure awaited just beyond the clouds.

AI is revolutionizing industries as companies adopt it to improve their offerings. Leading brands invest in AI for better customer experiences. Transportation, including cars and trains, is undergoing positive transformations. While self-driving cars grab headlines, the airline industry is also making significant advancements.

Quick takeaways:

AI is being integrated into various areas of the aviation industry, including customer service, airport operations, and flight operations.

By analyzing past data and predicting future patterns, AI can help solve problems such as flight overbooking and reduce operational costs.

The cost of airport development to improve and modernize existing infrastructure and operations is projected to exceed $1 trillion over the next fifteen years.

Major commercial airlines have already started incorporating AI, and the industry is ripe for further innovation and automation.

AI can help to enhance the overall passenger experience, improve safety, and increase efficiency in the aviation industry.

Commercial air travel drives the economy, generating approximately $168.2 billion in operating revenue in 2016. Ticket sales, accounting for 74.5% of operating revenue or $125.2 billion, significantly contributed to this figure. With passenger traffic expected to double over the next 20 years, the airline industry's impact on the economy is set to grow even more. Leading airlines utilize AI to meet changing customer demands and improve their operations. From increased efficiency to enhanced customer satisfaction, the impact of AI in the airline industry is already being felt. Let's look at some ways AI is transforming the industry and what we can expect in the near future. 

Virtual Assistants

Streamlining pilot operations with AI-powered virtual assistants, airlines are utilizing AI-based virtual assistants to increase productivity and efficiency for their pilots. From reducing repetitive tasks like changing radio channels and reading wind forecasts to providing on-demand positional information, these digital assistants are freeing pilots to focus on more critical tasks—companies like Garmin in the US offer AI-enabled audio panels for pilot use.

Enhancing customer services with AI-powered virtual assistants, airlines use AI-based virtual assistants to improve customer service. These digital assistants quickly respond to common questions such as flight status or available in-flight services, freeing human customer service representatives to handle more complex issues. 

Firms have developed applications to simplify travel tasks. Virtual assistants help travelers with trip booking and planning. You no longer have to handle everything yourself, as these AI-powered assistants gather information and perform tasks automatically, including booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and organizing itineraries.

Aircraft Monitoring 

Firms are tracking aircraft health to optimize costs. As stated by Air Canada's CEO, advanced analytics are necessary for efficient operation. AI-based systems anticipate maintenance needs, enabling prompt repairs and reducing downtime.

Aircraft health monitoring allows for faster analysis of data and prompt communication of preventative measures. AI with natural language processing can analyze maintenance logs to predict failures and suggest solutions. AI may be used for all aircraft systems, extending part lifespan and minimizing disruptions, resulting in significant savings for operators.

AI in aircraft repairs saves money, tracks real-time data, and enhances traveler safety. Problems are detected and resolved before takeoff, eliminating lengthy runway delays. This upgrade reduces malfunctions and delays, benefiting all parties involved.

Traveler Experience

Airports and airlines use AI for different tasks. For example, United Airlines partnered with Amazon Alexa to help customers check in and get flight details. Delta Air Lines uses self-service kiosks with facial recognition to confirm customer identity. Some airlines also use AI to boost sales to loyalty program passengers by offering upgrades or extra baggage. This is done by customizing the website checkout process through AI for different user groups.

AI can reduce flight overbooking by analyzing past flyer data, passenger history, and weather patterns to predict no-shows or flight changes. Real-time information on the estimated number of passengers boarding can be given to ground staff, minimizing the need to remove already boarded passengers.

The commercial aviation industry is exploring AI integration in customer service, airports, and flight operations. While major airlines have started adopting AI, industry forecasts predict plenty of opportunities for innovation and automation. Over the next 15 years, airport development costs to enhance infrastructure could exceed $1 trillion.

The narrative of AI's transformative impact on the aviation industry is a testament to the boundless potential that arises when state-of-the-art technology converges with human creativity. It is a poignant reminder that progress can reshape entire industries and elevate the human experience, propelling us to challenge limitations and unveil unexplored horizons. Within this harmonious fusion of AI and aviation, the future of flight ascends to unimaginable heights, offering a world where air travel embodies unprecedented safety, environmental consciousness, and profound fulfillment.