Navigating The Skies With AI: How Airlines Are Transforming Air Travel

29.03.2024 - 16:35 / forbes.com / Airlines

The airline industry, a sector known for its complexity and high operational demands, is increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, safety, and customer experience. AI's capability to process vast amounts of data rapidly and accurately is proving invaluable in addressing the unique challenges of air travel.

AI plays a crucial role in improving flight operations and safety. For instance, Boeing uses AI in its Airplane Health Management system, which monitors aircraft in flight and predicts potential maintenance issues before they become problematic. This preemptive approach ensures higher operational efficiency and safety. Another example is Airbus's Skywise, a digital platform that uses AI to analyze in-flight data. This system helps in optimizing flight routes, reducing fuel consumption, and improving overall operational efficiency. Skywise can predict possible delays or technical issues, enabling proactive measures to mitigate them.

Maybe surprisingly, airlines use AI to elevate customer service and engagement. AI chatbots are increasingly common on airline websites and mobile apps. They assist customers with inquiries, bookings, and flight changes, offering a 24/7 service that is both efficient and user-friendly. KLM's chatbot, BlueBot, is a prime example, providing booking assistance and flight information to passengers via Facebook Messenger. AI is alsp used to personalize customer experiences. Delta Air Lines, for instance, uses AI to offer personalized in-flight entertainment recommendations based on passenger preferences.

AI technology is streamlining baggage handling and airport operations. SITA, an air transport IT company, has developed an AI-powered baggage tracking system that reduces lost luggage incidents. This system provides real-time information on baggage location, significantly enhancing passenger experience and reducing operational costs. In airport operations, AI is being used for crowd management and security. Facial recognition technology, for instance, is already employed in several airports for swift and secure boarding processes, as seen in Delta’s bio-metric terminals in Atlanta and Minneapolis airports.

Predictive maintenance, enabled by AI, is revolutionizing aircraft maintenance and repair. Algorithms analyze data from aircraft sensors to predict when parts need maintenance or replacement. This predictive approach, as opposed to reactive maintenance, minimizes downtime, and improves aircraft reliability. EasyJet, for example, uses AI to predict component replacements, reducing delays and cancellations due to technical faults.

Looking into the future, AI is set to further transform the airline industry: To begin with, autonomous aircraft