Revitalization of Travel Sector Propelled by AI Technology during COVID-19 Pandemic
The global economy heavily relies on aviation as it accounts for nearly one-third of trade in terms of value. Despite the uncertainty the industry faced during the pandemic, technological advancements have now propelled the sector to recover and thrive. The present state of the aviation business in 2023 reflects the profound impact of the new technological era.
Businesses, including the aircraft industry, are witnessing exponential growth due to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Other technological advancements like the Internet of Things (IoT), aircraft systems, hybrid and electric aircraft are also altering the aviation landscape.
AI is expected to make a significant impact on the aviation sector in the coming years. It promises to lower costs, speed up design processes, and eliminate redundancy. However, the aviation sector has adopted AI approaches to a limited extent due to factors such as a lack of high-quality data, a preference for simple models over complex ones, and a need for more qualified personnel and partners.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play a pivotal role in transforming the travel industry. The technology rests on five key pillars: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, and Blockchain. In the pre-covid era, AI was predominantly used for digital operations optimization. However, it is now necessary for AI to exceed its mold and offer a scope for AI in airport operations.
Prominent use cases of AI in the aviation industry would be around digital transformative initiatives, centered on enhancing customer experience, operational processes, cost reduction, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. The future of AI in aviation is expected to see an increasing number of stakeholders participating in the industry, either out of necessity or strategic choice.
The data suggests that airports will increase their AI capabilities by 2023. Thirty-eight percent of airports plan to employ AI for customized marketing in the near future.
The top AI applications in the aviation market include predictive analytics for fleet technical assistance, revenue management, crew leadership, optimizing flight routes, digitalized check-ins, baggage assistance, AI-fastened security, and digital entertainment.
Predictive analytics for fleet technical assistance is a suitable solution as unscheduled maintenance accounts for around 30% of the overall delay time. By implementing predictive maintenance, airlines can cut costs associated with unscheduled repairs, staff overtime, and expedited part transportation.
Revenue management is crucial for the optimization of aviation operations and streamlining revenue management. A unified software solution helps analyze consumer perceptions of a product's value, the price they are willing to pay, and the best time and channel to sell a product.
Crew leadership involves managing pilot and flight attendant schedules based on factors such as flight route, crew member licensing and certification, aircraft type, fuel usage, work laws, vacations, days off, government laws, aircraft maintenance schedules, and training requirements.
AI can re-route and optimize long-duration flights in the post-COVID world. When carriers reach full capacity, AI can recommend the shortest transit routes, saving fuel and other capital-intensive resources.
Digitalized check-ins can save travelers time by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps to gather each set of information. Lufthansa has introduced features such as digital storage of boarding passes and facial recognition for safeguarding the app and ensuring privacy. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched OneID, an identity management solution that will possibly incorporate AI-powered biometrics.
Baggage assistance is a crucial area for the aviation sector, especially in the COVID-19 era. E-commerce apps can help facilitate baggage transport to and from customer abodes and airports. RFID tags, and AI-enabled tracking systems can mitigate baggage mishandling and contact tracing in instances of virus transfer.
AI-fastened security can revolutionize airport security by making it more efficient and less labor-intensive. State-of-the-art scanners can easily identify rogue actors with the help of AI-enabled automated target recognition algorithms.
Digital entertainment can transform airport lounges by making them more technologically advanced. Carriers such as Delta Airlines are experimenting with Parallel Reality experiences to facilitate multiple passengers viewing their respective flight information simultaneously. AI chatbot development services are in full swing to complement the mass deployment of robots at airports.
The inclusion of AI in the travel industry in the post-COVID world is imminent. The technology will pave the way for automation and revolutionize the industries on its path, including the hospitality sector. Appinventiv can be a technological partner for businesses looking to incorporate AI in their operations.
Q. How is artificial intelligence being used in aviation?
AI is being used in various aspects of the aviation industry to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve safety. Applications include aviation slot management and scheduling, operations management systems, AI for airline tracking, AI in aviation maintenance, and much more.
Q. What are the benefits of incorporating AI into aviation?
Incorporating AI into the aviation industry brings numerous benefits, such as improved safety, predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, better passenger experience, and more. AI-driven predictive maintenance, for example, reduces unplanned maintenance by up to 30% and increases aircraft availability by around 20%.
Q. What is the role of machine learning in aviation?
Machine learning algorithms help monitor aircraft and detect irregularities, ultimately reducing the costs of unscheduled maintenance. Predictive maintenance solutions based on machine learning help carriers make wise decisions and improve maintenance planning.
Q. How can AI help improve aircraft safety and security?
AI significantly enhances airport security and safety. AI-enabled cameras can detect security concerns in real-time, and AI-powered biometric security systems can autonomously identify and verify passengers through facial recognition, fingerprint, and retinal scanning.
Q. What are the future possibilities for AI in aviation?
The future of AI in aviation is promising, with an expected market growth from USD 152.4 million in 2018 to USD 2,222.5 million by 2025. AI is expected to help with autonomous drone inspections, autonomous operations, comprehensive digital transformation, and more, ultimately leading to a more efficient and customer-centric industry.
The aviation industry is utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance aspects such as customer experience, operations, and safety. Machine Learning plays a significant role by monitoring aircraft and reducing costs of unscheduled maintenance through predictive solutions. AI is expected to revolutionize airport security with real-time security concern detection and AI-powered biometric systems. Moving forward, the AI market in aviation is projected to expand significantly, potentially leading to autonomous drone inspections, autonomous operations, and comprehensive digital transformation. Incorporating AI into aviation brings advantages like improved safety, predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and a better passenger experience.
