Artificial Intelligence is a machine’s capability to comprehend and adopt actions and activities, machines equipped with AI can imitate cognitive behavior. In the last century, possession of an atomic bomb is directly correlated with the regional and global power of any nation. In the present century, research and development on AI technology evolved as the benchmark for the dominion of nations. The justification behind the significance of AI is the proficiency to automate several complex activities that are otherwise performed by humans, saving time and dwindling chances of errors.
The aviation industry is one of the considerable versatile and modern industries in the world. Several impressive technologies are being incorporated into aviation processes and applications to boost productivity and effectiveness. AI was warmly received in the aviation industry, where it found numerous applications. A few of them are discussed further below.
Airports and Security
Airports are the central junction or hub for aviation activities in a region. Large international airports throughout the world are connected to provide uninterrupted connectivity and a global network of passenger and cargo transportation. It is essential to keep airport operations safe and secure from any illegal and dangerous activity. Modern airports use high-end AI software and equipment coupled with cameras and other sensors to identify and analyze individuals passing through a security checkpoint. AI technology enables security officers to identify and locate any suspicious activity or catch a dangerous person who could be a threat to passengers, infrastructure, equipment, and personnel.
Airline Operations
Airlines are the primary or central organizations of aviation business activities, numerous businesses are directly or indirectly linked with airlines. Airlines are consistently implementing new technologies and practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. In the airline industry, AI is used in the following applications.
Customer Service
Customer service remains one of the preliminary performance indicators for an airline, particularly full-service legacy carriers. Airlines have adopted chatbots, automated replies, and automated informational messages to facilitate customers regarding flight updates anytime. Traditional customer service agents are only available on the shift timings and are exposed to considerable human factors that can deteriorate the performance or brand value of an airline.
Fleet and asset management
Fleet and asset management is the complex task performed by management to ensure that every flight is profitable for the business. Choice of aircraft, route planning, crew management, and resources management all are part of a productive flight. Such complex tasks are getting controllable and manageable with the infusion of AI. The workload is largely being shifted to AI systems so that management can work on other critical areas. AI is also widely implemented in the management of air traffic to enable airlines in making more cost-effective journeys and reducing the workload on air traffic controllers.
Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft maintenance is an essential part of safe and reliable airline operations. It is very important to control the workload and costs of aviation maintenance to keep the process flowing smoothly. In the 1960s, the jet age introduced smooth and less turbulent intercontinental flights by enabling aircraft to cruise at higher altitudes. The same era troubled the maintenance sector, where airlines faced troubles in controlling the costs of aircraft maintenance. There was a time when a significant increase in maintenance costs put the future of the aviation industry in danger. Over time, airlines and regulatory authorities collaborated and introduced effective maintenance procedures and practices such as predictive and on-demand maintenance. Several high-tech programs such as MSG-1, MSG-2, and the latest MSG-3 were introduced to increase productivity. Modern aircraft maintenance involves multiple AI applications in data analysis and information assessment to reduce the complexity and errors, and increase automation and efficiency. In the future, aircraft systems will be designed to identify and analyze the upcoming maintenance requirements in different sections of the airframe and power plant.
Autonomous Flights
AI is often labeled as a negative technology that is consuming thousands of human-driven jobs. The purpose of adopting and implementing AI systems is to decrease the risk factor by minimizing human factors in aviation. Humans’ performance is dependent on behavior, current circumstances, mental health, workplace conditions, and attention. Flight engineers and navigators were once part of the flight crew but increased automation eliminated the need for additional personnel in the cockpit. Future automation will be using robotic arms and fully AI-powered flight computers that will be monitoring and flying the aircraft. Robots and machines are not exposed to most of the human limitations such as rest needs, lack of attention, poor decision-making, and personal judgments. AI is a robust and efficient technology that can drive humankind to the next generation of human development if used properly.
