With the recent proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the world, such as ChatGPT and AI-generated art, how will this revolutionary technology transform the aviation industry and the way we fly? In this article, we will explore some of the ways that AI can be and is being used in the aviation industry. 

How AI is Reshaping Aviation

Artificial Intelligence is not new to the aviation industry. Developments in aviation-focused AI have been going on for some time already. 

Back in 2020, Airbus used AI to develop an autonomous flight system that allowed commercial aircraft to taxi, take off, and land without human assistance. The program, called ATTOL (Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off and Landing), was trained on hundreds of hours of video data and culminated in a fully autonomous flight by an Airbus A350. The introduction of this type of technology could further reduce the role of pilots when it comes to operating aircraft. The large majority of flights are already controlled with autopilot, and automating taxi, landings, and take-offs would further minimize the workload on pilots. 

Some airlines, such as Swiss and Lufthansa, have also been using AI to optimize flight plans and to predict the best routes to fly under certain weather conditions. AI is able to calculate the best ways to connect flights and reduce layover times. By using AI to optimize flights, Swiss International Air Lines was able to save 5.4 million dollars last year.

Artificial intelligence can also be used to facilitate many technical aspects of the aviation industry. AI chatbots can be developed to enhance customer service, providing faster response times and better customer satisfaction. This would allow further ease with booking tickets and could automate many menial tasks to become self-serviced. For airlines, AI can help set the best prices to maximize revenue, schedule crews on flights based on previous shift data, and predict when aircraft will require maintenance.

Consequences of AI

Artificial intelligence can be extremely beneficial to the aviation industry and can help redefine what it means to fly, but it can also carry several consequences. While AI could help streamline technical processes, it could also replace thousands of jobs. Although unlikely, AI also has the potential to replace pilot jobs in the future. However, this will probably not happen in the foreseeable future since there are too many lives at stake for AI to be reliable, and AI could be prone to malfunctions from thousands of flights each day. 

AI is helping us bring about a new age of flying. From automating flight operations and customer inquiries to helping airlines manage data, AI is on the way to becoming more integrated into the aviation industry.

Sources:

https://appinventiv.com/blog/ai-in-aviation/

https://fortune.com/2023/01/31/tech-forward-everyday-ai-airline-industry-fuel-consumption-food-waste/

https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/engineering/ai-airlines/

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-06-airbus-concludes-attol-with-fully-autonomous-flight-tests

Cover Image: Royal Aeronautical Society

Ascendance Flight Technologies, a French-based startup, unveiled its Atea electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2021. With plans to begin testing in 2023, followed by production in 2025, the company has been making steady progress towards its goal of delivering a sustainable aircraft that can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Critical Funding Secured

To bring Atea to market, Ascendance Flight Technologies has been focusing on securing the funding required to support the project. The company has so far raised €21 million ($23 million) from various organizations across France, including French Tech Souveraineté and Habert Dassault Finance.

The funds raised will enable Ascendance to build its prototype aircraft and begin the certification process with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The CEO of Ascendance, Jean-Christophe Lambert, has stated that this funding round is critical for sustainable aviation in France and will allow the company to accelerate the technical and commercial development of its products. Investors have also expressed optimism, with the managing director of Habert Dassault Finance, Benoit Habert, impressed with the pace at which the company is growing and the commitment of its teams.

Assembling a Dream Team

With funding secured, Ascendance Flight Technologies can now focus on building the first full-scale prototype of its Atea aircraft. The company plans to attract the best talent from across the industry and recruit 50 more employees over the next 18 months to support this phase of the project.

Ascendance has recently appointed Stéphane Viala as its engineering and program director. With his experience as the former senior vice president of engineering and head of design organization at aircraft manufacturer ATR, Viala brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

The Atea eVTOL

Atea is a five-seat eVTOL aircraft designed for passenger transport, medical emergencies, logistics, and surveillance. Its use of sustainable hybrid-electric power allows the aircraft to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to a traditional helicopter.

With a range of up to 250 miles, Atea’s unique fan-in-wing design, with eight rotors built into the wings, ensures a safe, clean, and quiet transport solution. At the time of the aircraft’s unveiling, Lambert set out Ascendance’s mission to accelerate the transition towards green aviation with hybrid technology.

Ascendance Flight Technologies’ Roadmap to Delivering the Atea eVTOL

Ascendance Flight Technologies plans to deliver its first Atea aircraft in 2026. The company’s focus is currently on building the first prototype aircraft, which will undoubtedly attract widespread attention when it takes to the skies.

As Atea enters the testing phase in 2023, the company will continue to refine its hybrid-electric technology and seek further funding to support the project’s development. With 245 letters of intent from customers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, there is a clear demand for sustainable aircraft solutions.

Ascendance Flight Technologies’ Atea eVTOL aircraft represents an exciting development in sustainable aviation. With its hybrid-electric power, unique fan-in-wing design, and range of up to 250 miles, Atea has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about air transport.

With funding secured and plans to build the first prototype aircraft underway, Ascendance is on track to deliver its first Atea aircraft in 2026. As the company continues to develop its hybrid-electric technology and attract top talent to its team, Atea is sure to capture the attention of the aviation industry and customers worldwide.

Also, you might be interested in reading: VTOL – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the FutureVtol – The Concept Behind It and Why It Is the Future

Sources:

• Source: Simple Flying

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy aims to diversify its economy away from oil and gas by boosting its tourism industry. The government hopes to attract over 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade, with tourism’s share of GDP targeted to reach 10%. As part of this plan, the country invests in new travel industry initiatives, including launching a new airline, NEOM Airlines, that aims to differentiate itself through innovation and sustainability.

NEOM Airlines’ Two-Step Approach to Technology

NEOM Airlines, which will serve the planned futuristic city of NEOM, plans to begin operations at the end of 2024. Its CEO, Klaus Goersch, has outlined a “two-step approach” to its technology. Initially, existing aircraft will be retrofitted with existing technology to meet demand quickly, but from 2026 onwards, the airline plans to introduce new innovative aircraft such as electric, hydrogen-powered, or supersonic models, along with next-generation interiors. The airline aims to “elevate every single touch point” with an immersive and digitally enhanced experience, offering features such as large screen IFE at every seat, 6G WiFi, and biometric security clearing.

NEOM: A Futuristic City for Innovation and Sustainable Living

NEOM Airlines is part of the larger $500 billion project to build a futuristic city in Saudi Arabia, called NEOM. The project aims to become a hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable living. It plans to leverage new technologies to create a modern city that operates sustainably and efficiently.

Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Travel Industry

The launch of NEOM Airlines is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop its travel industry. Riyadh Air, which has ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for 33 more, has already been confirmed. In addition, the government has introduced a subsidized scheme to increase traffic to and from the Kingdom. NEOM Airlines will add to the increasing number of innovative and sustainable carriers in the region, with a focus on digitalization and next-generation technology to offer travelers a unique and differentiated experience.

NEOM Airlines is set to launch next year, and its focus on innovation and sustainability aims to elevate the travel experience for its passengers. With its two-step approach to technology and plans to introduce new aircraft and next-generation interiors, NEOM Airlines promises to offer a unique and immersive experience. The launch of NEOM Airlines is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to develop its travel industry and attract over 100 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

Also, you might be interested in reading: Saudi Arabia’s New Mega Airport: The King Salman International Airport

Sources:

• Source: Simple Flying
• Featured image by: NEOM