Impact of automation, AI, and emerging technologies on aviation career

Global spending on digital technology integration is expected to reach 3,9 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027, according to Statista. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and technology services company Financing and Promoting Technology (FTP) note that aviation chief information officers are recognizing the need to strategically invest in technology as the industry is filled with legacy applications that are financially difficult to maintain.

While not easy to implement, new technologies are becoming cost-effective and delivering benefits in key areas, such as improved efficiency and safety, professional training, automation in air traffic management, and performance optimization.

As reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, marking a 6.7% increase compared to 2024. Cargo volumes are also projected to reach 72.5 million tonnes, reflecting a 5.8% rise from 2024. With the increasing number of air passengers and airlines adding further new routes in more areas, the aviation industry is facing a lack of aviation specialists. According to Boeing, over the next two decades there will be a need for 674,000 new pilots, 716,000 new maintenance technicians, and 980,000 new cabin crews worldwide respectively to the current global commercial fleet. The aviation sector is digitalizing most of its processes to promote efficiency as well as profitability. The development of new technologies has become inevitable, this brings the need to develop new skills for professionals, as well as growing demand for new professions in the field of cybersecurity, data analytics, AI development and operational optimization.

“The aviation sector is constantly investing in digital technologies, creating a demand for new professionals capable of leading teams in these rapidly changing times. As digitalization progresses each year, aviation professionals need to develop new skills, including adaptability and a combination of aviation expertise and IT knowledge,” says Abdelmagid Bouzougarh, CEO of Aerviva, an international aviation recruitment consultancy.

Tomorrow’s pilots: stronger analytical and monitoring skills

One way in which digitalization is helping pilots is by providing support and guidance at every stage of the flight. A network of apps can improve the operational efficiency, provide better situational awareness, greater collaboration ability between pilot and co-pilot, and safety protocol adherence. AI provides spotters with data on weather and flight plans and general conditions. However, pilots must be trained in critical analysis and monitoring to work with AI assisted flight systems. New technologies can also be used to model more accurate virtual reality simulations for pilots and to develop scenario-based digital learning. By analyzing pilot’s performance data AI algorithms can help to create personalized training plans based on a person’s strengths and weaknesses.

Lufthansa Technik’s AI-driven Advanced Aircraft Maintenance Training (AAMT) system uses AI-based flight simulators to train pilots and maintenance crews more effectively. This system integrates machine learning algorithms with real-time flight data to simulate a wide range of scenarios, from emergency situations to rare mechanical failures.

Maintenance: faster, more accurate, and cost saving

Many aviation companies are acknowledging the difficulty they face in attracting and retaining talent. According to the accounting firm Deloitte, it is estimated that the commercial aerospace sector in the United States will need an additional 123,000 technicians over the next two decades. Digitalization could help attract and retain talent by optimizing the workforce.

New AI technologies have the potential to enhance aircraft safety solutions and maintenance schedules, enabling airlines to better understand their human resource needs and improve their planning processes. Advanced detection systems analyze real-time aircraft data, providing accurate insights, predictive maintenance suggestions, and optimized schedules to prevent unplanned downtime and reduce unexpected repairs, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability.

Airbus developed Skywise, a cloud-based platform using AI and big data analytics to enhance aircraft maintenance. Skywise Core [X] allows operators worldwide to take advantage of a better aircraft experience based on data insights and make the right operational decisions. Another example is the predictive maintenance software Insight Accelerator, part of Boeing’s Airplane Health Management suite of solutions, which enables airlines to avoid flight delays and cancellations while drastically reducing aircraft time on the ground (AOG) by utilizing real-time maintenance alerts. By analyzing QAR/CPL full flight data, users can derive prognostic insights and create alert algorithms unique to their airline’s operations.

New technologies are incorporating big data tools, machine learning processes, and decision modeling systems to provide valuable information. Digital twin technology is a virtual replica of a physical system that is continuously updated based on real-time sensor data. It can predict future aircraft problems, allowing engineers to inspect potential problems in advance.

Moreover, digital tools help to reduce the time spent on documentation by performing analysis of the collected information, systematization, and summarization, which helps to complete tasks more efficiently. Regarding maintenance and repair, AI tools also allow to prepare more detailed and accurate instructions, which leads to redundancy of work errors.

ATC: AI can improve most of tasks, but human element remains at the core

Air traffic controllers (ATC) deal with a lot of dynamic information, which can lead to reduced attention under heavy workloads. But new AI-based technologies can reduce the workload while increasing flight safety, efficiency, and capacity. By providing real-time data, digital systems can improve situational awareness and minimize the risk of midair collisions. Data link systems can also enable controllers and pilots to exchange information more accurately, limiting communication errors, and freeing up radio frequencies. Automating routine tasks, providing more precise weather forecasts and passenger traffic data, calculating the most efficient flight paths, and increasing overall efficiency can all be improved with new AI technologies. While technological advancements can make a big difference in the ATC field, the human element remains essential.

AI automation in aviation has the potential to be very helpful, but there are also some concerns. Questions about who makes the decisions and whether the algorithms are fair can make it hard to know who is responsible for the AI systems. It is not clear if the AI will follow all the rules for aviation, because the rules for AI are still being created. It is very important to make sure that the AI is safe and reliable. Protecting personal information and keeping data safe from hackers is one of the main concerns. Also, AI can’t adapt well to changing situations, and it can

be hard to integrate it with older systems. People’s trust in AI is also important. Passengers and staff might not trust AI to make important decisions. To address these issues, there is a need to carefully regulate AI in aviation.

New opportunities for an aviation career

However, the wrong choice of flight personnel in the aviation industry leads to dissatisfaction with the general work, especially in these times when AI is more real than ever. Specialists should be able to work with a lot of data, analysis, and be open to new AI solutions.

As reported by Reuters, U.S. aerospace and defence giant RTX Corp plans to hire 1,000 more people to its 7,000-strong workforce in India by 2027, as it looks for more engineers and data scientists to power its global operations. Boeing is hiring data science and analytics professionals to apply AI and machine learning in MRO operations, enhancing efficiency and predictive maintenance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also offers career opportunities in information technology, including roles in cybersecurity and data analysis, contributing to the advancement of aviation technologies.

“Advanced technologies bring more exciting career opportunities, as specialists can deepen their knowledge in specific areas. We should emphasize the need for specialists who are skilled in data analytics, machine learning, and AI operations. With the expansion of digital systems, emerging roles include cybersecurity and AI specialists, data scientists and analysts, all of which play a key role in the aviation sector,” explains A. Bouzougarh.

The development and integration of AI technologies in various aviation fields can improve cost savings, better passenger flow through airports, and fuel efficiency. According to IATA and FTP, emerging technologies can increase opportunities for environmental management and sustainable development by analyzing data and delivering insights. Sustainability is becoming a key focus, leading to job opportunities in green aviation technologies.

Aerviva is a Dubai-based international consultancy, specializing in aviation recruitment and document management. The consultancy seeks to develop bespoke solutions for clients’ specific needs, guiding them with their global expertise as well as deep understanding and experience in the aviation industry.The post Impact of automation, AI, and emerging technologies on aviation career appeared first on AeroTime.

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