Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Aviation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Aviation

 

In 2024, the potential of AI is being realised across most, if not all, industries around the world. Aviation is no exception. AI has been used in multiple domains for some time now and will continue to play an exceptionally important role in the future.

For example, commercial airlines, private jet charter operators and military aviation are already using AI to streamline routes, cut harmful emissions, improve customer experience, and optimize missions.

In this article, our aviation specialists examine how AI is transforming aviation for passengers, pilots, and aircraft operators alike.

Defining exactly what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often leads to lively discussion and disagreement. After all, how do you define something that by its very nature is constantly evolving?

AI is far more complex and sophisticated than previous algorithms that make suggestions based on a restricted data set. We are no longer talking about algorithms that provide personalised shopping recommendations based on your search and browsing history.

In the modern world, AI allows machines to learn from experience and adjust their responses based on the new data they collect. In effect, AI enables the same software inputs to produce a different outcome by “learning” over time.

The wider adoption of such technology will enable advanced assistance to aviation professionals and process optimisation in ways otherwise impossible, allowing for an even safer and more sustainable aviation sector. 

As outlined above, arguably the greatest power of Artificial Intelligence is its ability to process vast amounts of data and learn from it. This means that AI can detect patterns, develop predictions, and anticipate risks. As a result, AI can significantly impact every aspect of aviation, including private jet charters.

This impact can be categorised into 3 key areas: Safety, Sustainability, and Passenger Experience.

Predicting Problems:

 

One of the most important parts AI can play in Aviation is identifying potential aircraft malfunctions. By analysing vast amounts of data from manufacturers and operators around the world, AI's ability to predict outcomes based on data analysis can help identify the need for aircraft maintenance tasks or parts upgrades, and even the risk of potential aircraft failures before they happen. This leads to less flight disruption, lower maintenance costs and the highest possible safety standards.

Advanced Monitoring:

 

Artificial Intelligence can significantly improve the monitoring of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This results in safer and more efficient air travel because AI's processing and learning power can better track and predict the location and flight paths of every plane in the sky.

The application of AI is also improving monitoring for enhanced security. For example, pairing facial recognition technology and other biometrics with extensive data analysis will expose individuals deemed a security risk while speeding up the security check, check-in, and immigration clearance processes for all other travellers.

in addition to the above, implementing AI-powered monitoring of systems and firewalls to reduce the chance of cyber-attacks improves the cybersecurity of airlines, operators, and airports.

Communication:

 

AI also has a role to play in promoting in-flight safety via the optimisation of Pilot - Air Traffic Control communications. Automatic speech recognition AI programs can ensure there are no misunderstandings in the cockpit or control tower, especially when pilots or controllers have strong accents or are speaking in their 2^nd language.

Artificial Intelligence has already been put to extremely good use in the quest for greater levels of sustainability in the aviation industry. Whether its limiting emissions, reducing fuel consumption, or making manufacturing processes more efficient, AI has an important role to play.

 

Flight Path Selection:

 

Airlines and private jet charter operators are using AI for flight-path programming. In this instance, AI discovers the optimal flight path for a given journey by factoring in all potential routes, current weather conditions, the weight of the aircraft, air traffic, and all other influential factors to determine the most efficient course. This saves significant amounts of time and fuel over the course of a year, benefiting passenger convenience and environmental sustainability.

Optimising Design:

 

AI can expedite the design, certification and production of new aircraft products and parts by applying learnings from mass data analysis to, for example, optimise material selection, suggest the most effective structural design, and streamline factory processes.  

Artificial Intelligence also has the ability to inform the design process which will lead to the creation of more efficient powertrains. Engines will become more fuel efficient due to the data analysis and learnings that AI will offer designers at all stages of the product development process.

Furthermore, AI algorithms are able to automate inventory management, analysing usage patterns and maintenance schedules so spare parts are available when needed, reducing inventory costs.

Manufacturing:

 

As with many other industries, employing the data processing and learning capabilities of AI has resulted in the ability to optimise the environmental sustainability and efficiency of manufacturing processes. This means that in the future, aircraft and their parts will be able to be produced faster and with less emissions than they are today.

The adoption of AI throughout global aviation will also significantly benefit the passenger experience in a number of ways.

 

Flight Delay Prediction and Resolution:

 

There are a variety of factors that can impact the scheduled departure time of a flight. Chartering a private jet can mitigate almost all the issues experienced by commercial air travel, but uncontrollable variables such as weather conditions or technology issues at the destination airport can still impact when/if a flight can take-off.

Applying the highly advanced predictive analytical capabilities of AI can play a role in analysing real-time data to help predict delayed flights, update departure times and even rebook flights without any human intervention. This ensures the best possible experience for the traveller.

Personalisation:

 

By utilizing AI, airlines are improving their customer flight experience by providing personalized service to their customers. For example, AI programs will also be able to recommend curated travel itineraries by analysing a traveller’s previous trips, preferences, and lifestyle and selecting a range of experience options and combing them into a closely scheduled experience.

AI-powered Chatbots can answer questions and resolve issues quickly with sophisticated bespoke solutions rather than simply a pre-defined list of responses. This will ensure that all air travel passengers are furnished with accurate real-time information updates to ensure the smoothest travel experience possible.

Finally, the flight route optimisation outlined above will help to lower an aircraft's operational cost, which can lower the cost of the flight for the passenger.

It is clear that AI is, and will continue to, have an enormous impact on the global aviation industry. Whether it's commercial aviation or private jet charter, AI's potential is almost limitless.  

However, as with any new technology, AI comes with questions, risks, and challenges. For example, the complexity of machine learning systems means their implementation is costly and disruptive. Entrusting AI with tasks previously controlled entirely by human beings poses a cybersecurity risk. There are also clear ethical implications of applying AI to facial recognition and data processing for security processes.

One of the principal concerns for many is the fear that AI programs or robots will replace them in the workplace. In some cases, this is a justifiable worry. However, in aviation, the reality is that while AI will impact the industry in a large number of ways, human perception and intellect are still of absolutely critical importance. People still need to design, run, and monitor AI systems for aircraft and ground operations. People are still needed to develop the AI algorithms. People are still needed to analyse where and how AI can benefit passenger journeys and aviation sustainability. People are still needed to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. People still need to fly planes and take care of passenger needs.

This is especially true in the world of private jet charter, where exceptional client service is the minimum expected standard. Here at SHY Aviation, we specialise in global private jet charter, group charter and helicopter charter. With access to the finest aircraft and the world’s premier operators, our private aviation solutions are expertly tailored to your unique requirements.