In recent years, the aviation industry has undergone significant changes, with digitalization being the main driving force behind these changes. To successfully adopt and implement new technologies, ATA standards have played a vital role. As we move further into 2024, the aviation landscape is evolving even more, with emerging trends pointing towards a more efficient and intelligent future. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming trends in aviation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

Artificial intelligence is already being used in various industries, including retail and healthcare. However, the aviation industry has yet to fully explore the potential of both AI and automation. We can expect to see a transformation in the way airlines and airports are managed and operated. This will involve streamlining processes that usually require human intervention, such as logistical tasks like cargo transport, examination of aircraft data, and the integration of HR, maintenance and flight systems into a user-friendly interface. Automation can reduce errors and increase efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.

“With the recent, extremely rapid advancements in the AI technologies, such as Large Language Models (LLM), we believe the industry will see relevant implementations in the not-too-distant future. However, many of the emerging technologies are depending on availability, sharing, and exchanging of data, which is still mostly in its infancy within the industry. With solutions like Aviadex.io, we are enabling the foundation for the adoption of these technologies.” - Sami Pylkkänen, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Partner at QOCO Systems Ltd.

Predictive Maintenance 4.0

We had already seen the rise of predictive maintenance in 2022, but since then, it has evolved thanks to advancements in machine learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Although cloud technology still provides that solid foundation, predictive maintenance enjoys much smarter algorithms and predictions. Technologies such as robotics, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI can harvest real-time data, forecast repairs and even craft an accurate maintenance schedule based on projected data so that incidents around tools being lost in live operational assets become things of the past.

Big Data

Big Data might sound like nothing more than a buzzword, but it is a large part of the aviation industry’s digital transformation. With the sheer volume of data generated by every aspect of the industry, Big Data helps make sense of it all. It can scan through many sources of information from flight logs, traffic flows, and other operational-related data and discover patterns that can improve passenger experiences, airline services, and decision-making around operations.

Aviation businesses can also benefit from investing in data infrastructure that prioritizes safe and efficient data sharing. As there are so many moving parts within the sector, pairing AI and data can bring about impressive benefits all around. When organizations create tailored and synergistic solutions, they can permit AI to extract much more value from any collected data.

Green Airports and Aviation Tech

Sustainability remains a high priority for many sectors and companies – and the aviation industry certainly doesn’t lag behind. Airlines are continuing to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint, whether through sustainable aviation fuel or improvements in aerodynamics to boost fuel efficiency. Airports also bolstered the industry’s green goals with sustainable architecture and energy management systems.

Biometrics

As part of the industry's digitization, biometric technology answers the increasing need for security and convenience. Things like facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanning, and more help passengers breeze through the identification process, making security more seamless and contactless. Various touch points on the customer journey can use biometrics to eliminate the need for tedious and time-consuming practices.

2024 will bring an exciting range of advancements to the aviation industry, propelling us to a future that makes travel much smoother for customers, airlines, airports, aviation personnel, and other stakeholders alike. The combined power of big data, AI, biometrics, predictive maintenance, and green aviation tech will break down hurdles and revolutionize performance, making 2024 a milestone year for the sector.

Call to action

To stay ahead of the curve and take full advantage of these advancements and trends in aviation, it is essential to stay updated. Follow reliable industry sources and attend relevant conferences and industry events to learn more about these exciting trends and how they can benefit your operations. Embrace the change, and prepare for a brighter, more efficient future!

About QOCO

QOCO Systems is a Finnish software company specialising in the aviation industry. QOCO Systems' clientele includes prominent names such as Rolls-Royce, Finnair, and numerous other airlines around the Globe. Employing over 40 professionals in aviation and software, QOCO is experiencing strong business growth. Read more: https://www.qoco.aero/about-qoco.

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