How AI Could Change Aviation Forever...
Artificial Intelligence has been around for quite for approximately 60 years now. However, due to modern computing and hardware, there has been a much larger and visible trend in advancement in AI. The integration of AI into air traffic management has become more apparent in recent years, and the ‘FLY AI’ report has had its arguments covered by the EUROCONTROL, an organization that is dedicated to supporting European aviation.
The report highlights several key points:
• AI can reduce the burden placed on people working actively in the field such as pilots, operators, air traffic controllers, etc.
• AI will also increase safety and cyber resilience through the provision of new conflict detection, traffic advisory, and resolution tools.
• The utilization of aviation data by AI will result in more accurate predictions, increased efficiency/productivity, and better use of the limited resources that are available.
• We need to use AI to its full potential, as there is much more room for breakthroughs and various forms of innovation that remain undiscovered/underdeveloped e.g. how we can retain and generate business through it.
• Numerous practical recommendations in the general scope of aviation and air traffic management by FLY AI.
There are many more topics and in-depth explorations covered by the report.
Read it here: https://www.eurocontrol.int/sites/default/files/2020-03/eurocontrol-fly-ai-report-032020.pdf
“The aviation industry has started to exploit the potential of machine learning algorithms on non-safety critical applications.”
The various forms of aviation can be improved by AI, SESAR JU executive director Florian Guillermet stated that “machine learning digital assistants can mine huge amounts of historical data to support human operators on the ground or in the cockpit to make the best possible decisions.” The new report reinforces this as it mentions the four segments of aviation that we are facing challenges with, which can be overcome through AI: overcrowded airspace (a problem seen throughout Europe, as the capacity is decreasing greatly), the crisis of climate change, the digital transformation of aircrafts and the introduction of automated aircrafts (that are unmanned) in an already limited airspace capacity. Through a series of calculations and algorithms made by the AI, we will be able to strategically use our limited resources to maximum efficiency.
In essence, the report suggests that the integration of AI into our pre-existing aviation constructs is advised as a solution. However, the only way to do so is through collaboration, as we need to develop an environment with a collective goal for progression…just one party is insufficient.