The Potential Role of AI and Autonomous Aircraft in Preventing Plane Crashes
In 2023, aviation safety made headlines for all the wrong reasons as more than 100 people lost their lives in fatal air crashes, including a tragic midair collision between a commercial airliner and a helicopter near Washington, DC, and a plane crashing into a bus on a street in São Paulo. The first two months of the year saw an uptick in air travel-related fatalities, reminding the world that, despite being a generally safe mode of transportation, aviation still holds risks. These incidents followed a grim trend, as the previous year was declared one of the deadliest in aviation history, with 318 deaths across 11 civilian airplane crashes, including two in the final days of December.
Fatal air accidents, although rare, attract substantial public attention and often instill a renewed fear of flying in many passengers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at least 25 million adults in the United States alone suffer from a fear of flying, with some becoming more anxious following such incidents. These fears are not just triggered by crashes, but also by reports of emergency landings, malfunctioning aircraft, or unexpected incidents such as a door blowing off mid-flight or a plane skidding off a runway. Such events can make passengers feel more vulnerable, raising questions about aviation safety and what can be done to prevent future tragedies.
Industry experts and investigators often point to human error as the leading cause of aviation accidents. However, with advancements in technology, there is increasing interest in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve aviation safety. While AI has already made significant strides in optimizing flight routes, increasing fuel efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, and contributing to sustainability efforts in aviation, there is growing potential for AI to prevent disasters and save lives in the air.
The Importance of AI in Aviation Safety
Safety is the primary focus of the aviation industry, where protecting passengers and crew members is paramount. The aviation sector continually seeks to enhance its safety protocols and operational procedures, not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to reassure passengers that flying is, statistically, one of the safest modes of transportation. As outlined in the research paper “Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Safety: Systematic Review and Biometric Analysis,” embracing emerging technologies like AI has become essential for continuing to improve aviation safety.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 2023 recorded one accident for every 1.26 million flights, which was the lowest accident rate in over a decade. While this statistic is promising, it still masks the gravity of aviation-related casualties. Just over 14 months after this record-low accident rate, over 400 people were killed in multiple incidents. Given that up to 80% of aviation accidents are attributed to human error, with pilot error accounting for 53% of these cases, the question remains: How can AI be harnessed to make aviation safer, particularly in preventing human mistakes?
AI as a Tool for Mitigating Human Error
A significant portion of aviation accidents is caused by human error, including misjudgments, fatigue, poor decision-making, and miscommunication. While human oversight is still a critical part of aviation, many experts argue that AI could help minimize these risks, ultimately leading to safer flights. According to Farzam, an aviation expert, the integration of AI into aviation could eliminate human errors, thus reducing the frequency of accidents. However, trust in AI technology remains one of the major obstacles to full automation in aviation. Farzam contends that while fully autonomous flights might be far off, hybrid solutions, where human pilots are assisted by AI systems, could be implemented in the near future to improve flight safety.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun expressed similar sentiments in January 2023, stating that while autonomy is the future of civil aviation, the technology will require time to mature. As Calhoun pointed out, building confidence in autonomous systems and developing robust certification processes will be key to ensuring their safe integration into the aviation industry.
The Promise of Autonomous Aircraft and Air Taxis
The development of autonomous aircraft has the potential to revolutionize air travel. A key area of interest is the emerging air-taxi market, which is predicted to grow exponentially over the next decade. By 2029, this market is expected to be worth $80.3 billion, up from $4.9 billion in 2023. As urban congestion becomes a greater problem, air taxis could offer a faster, more efficient mode of transportation. While fully autonomous air taxis are not expected to become widespread for at least another 15 years, their development could pave the way for broader adoption of autonomous aviation technology.
The concept of self-flying aircraft is closely tied to the idea of reducing human error in aviation. According to the World Economic Forum, many aircraft functions are already automated, with autopilots and flight control systems guiding planes through skies with minimal human intervention. In fact, modern systems have become so advanced that they can safely land widebody airliners in challenging conditions with zero visibility, further supporting the case for increased automation in aviation.
However, experts like Amad Malik, Chief AI Officer at Airport AI Exchange, caution that implementing AI-powered systems into commercial aviation presents several technical challenges. While AI technology is advancing rapidly, Malik warns that it may create more problems than solutions if introduced prematurely. AI systems in aircraft would need to seamlessly communicate with air traffic control (ATC) and other aircraft, which requires comprehensive testing and further development. One of the key concerns is that AI cannot yet handle all the intricacies involved in real-time communication, particularly when it comes to responding to urgent requests from ATC or adjusting flight paths in an emergency.
The Hybrid Approach: AI-Assisted Human Pilots
Although the idea of fully autonomous aircraft is appealing to some, Malik, who is also a qualified pilot, argues that the best approach is likely to be a hybrid model where AI assists human pilots rather than replacing them altogether. According to Malik, AI could be used to help pilots in emergency situations, serving as an AI-powered co-pilot that can take control of certain tasks in high-stress moments, such as during mechanical failures or other emergencies. This would reduce the likelihood of human error while still retaining human oversight and decision-making capabilities.
The hybrid approach aligns with the views of many experts in aviation. AI could provide valuable support to pilots, for example, by analyzing complex flight data in real time, offering suggestions for flight path adjustments, and managing tasks like optimizing fuel usage and ensuring the aircraft’s systems are functioning properly. However, the key to success lies in ensuring that human pilots and AI systems work together seamlessly. In this scenario, pilots would retain the final decision-making authority, but AI would be an invaluable tool to support them during critical situations.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Innovation with Trust
Despite the potential benefits of AI and autonomous systems, there are still significant barriers to their widespread adoption in aviation. One of the most important hurdles is the need to build trust in the technology. Public concern over autonomous vehicles, including aircraft, remains a significant challenge. Many people may be reluctant to fly on an entirely autonomous aircraft, fearing that a machine might not be able to respond effectively to unexpected situations or emergencies.
Additionally, the regulatory landscape for autonomous aviation is still in its infancy. Developing and implementing certification processes that ensure AI and autonomous systems meet safety standards is crucial to the widespread acceptance of this technology. Governments and aviation authorities around the world will need to work closely with aviation companies and technology developers to create frameworks that balance innovation with safety and public trust.
Conclusion: The Future of AI in Aviation Safety
While the dream of fully autonomous planes may be far off, there is significant potential for AI to enhance aviation safety and prevent accidents caused by human error. The technology is already making strides in areas such as predictive maintenance, fuel efficiency, and route optimization. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will play an increasingly important role in preventing disasters and improving the overall safety of air travel.
However, the road to fully integrating AI into aviation will require careful planning, testing, and regulation. Hybrid models that combine human expertise with AI assistance may offer the most immediate benefits, enabling safer flights while addressing public concerns and building trust in new technologies. Ultimately, AI and autonomous systems could revolutionize air travel, making it even safer for passengers and reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.
