Whether it is reducing flight delays or increasing fuel efficiency, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data have diverse applications in airline operations. As a result, airline companies all around the world are drawing on the capabilities of Big Data to maximize their business potential.
The digital revolution has heavily impacted the aviation industry. Some emerging technologies adopted by the aviation industry include Artificial Intelligence, aircraft systems, the internet of things, and electric aircraft, playing an essential role in changing the aviation industry.
The airline industry is one of the enablers of the economy. It is one of the most preferred modes of transportation for many goods and is responsible for significant international trade by value.
It is no wonder that the airline industry needs to gather much data daily. However, managing that data effectively and using it to improve operations is equally crucial.
With newer applications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, many new opportunities have opened for the airline industry, especially in the fields of revenue, operations, and customer services.
Big Data and AI integration in aviation can enhance airline safety, automate flight schedules, and improve airplane predictive maintenance.
Big Data analytics and AI can collaboratively improve airline function and management in several ways.
1. Managing Revenue
Implementing Big Data analytics and AI in airlines is based on the general idea that every customer perceives product value differently. And that they would be willing to pay different prices for the same product depending on the target groups and time of purchase.
It provides a better understanding of what flight routes are preferred by the customers and how much money they are willing to spend. This helps the airline industry optimize air travel by mapping out the maximum number of passengers for particular flight routes.
In addition to that, data analytics assists the airline company in analyzing customer behavior to decide on price range and expected marginal seat revenue.
Moreover, airline companies use data analytics to optimize their prices. They do so by detecting how likely consumers are to cancel their flights to mitigate revenue losses.
2. Managing Crew
Flight crew management is a difficult task. The scheduling department has to consider several criteria, such as crew member licensing, flight route, aircraft type, fuel usage, etc., before assigning crew members to any flights.
Big Data generated by airlines, such as data on maintenance, passengers, onboarding sensors, and various other sources, is integrated into software that the crew management authority can access. This allows them to get an idea of daily operations.
Moreover, the insights generated by this data help them plan conflict-free crew schedules.
3. Optimize Fuel Efficiency
Airlines can use Big Data and AI-geared insights and algorithms to collect and analyze flight data to optimize fuel efficiency.
Airlines use their built-in systems to assess altitudes, route distances, type of aircraft, data on weather, airplane weight, etc., to determine the optimal amount of fuel needed for the flight.
4. Baggage Tracking and Management
Airline operations can use RFID tags and AI-powered tracking systems to improve their baggage management. They can benefit from employing baggage identification solutions to analyze individual baggage characteristics and detect bags for a contactless baggage experience.
In addition, airline operations can use biometrics ad ID verification using AI to allow passengers to self-check in.
Not only do these technologies reduce check-in time, but they also work to improve the overall customer experience.
5. Airplane Maintenance
The Aircraft maintenance crew can use predictive analysis to reduce costs incurred due to maintenance. In addition, carriers can collect data through monitoring sensors that collect prompt data on aircraft health.
Technicians can access this data in real-time to determine the aircraft’s current technical condition through alerts, notifications, and reports. Technicians can also detect issues that may cause a potential malfunction in the aircraft and mitigate risks accordingly.
The entire process can be integrated into a centralized management system that allows team leads and managers to view data and updates on maintenance operations.
6. In-Flight Food Supply
Food cargo load isn’t expensive, but it does cost a lot of money and causes food wastage if it isn’t optimized correctly. Airline supply management can use Big Data analytics and predictive AI to determine the amount of food it needs to buy for a specific flight.
7. Customer Service
Airline industries can use AI-powered chatbot software to solve customer queries and create an impressive customer experience. These chatbots help in improving flight booking and management experience for customers.
They can also use a combination of NLP, AI, and Big Data to classify customer emails and extract information from them to automate routine processes.
This may also prove helpful in keeping customers informed about delays in flights or baggage loss.
8. AI-powered Feedback
Using data analysis, airline operations can collect data from passengers regarding expert flight experience to make informed decisions that improve customer experience.
Using NLP, airline operators can better understand customer preferences and allows customers to record their journey in their own words.
9. Detecting Frauds
Airline operations can leverage ML-based analytics software to detect fraudulent data transactions. These systems track and collect data from multiple sources. This data is used to detect fraudulent activities in airport transactions.
Apart from that, these systems can also prove helpful in identifying discrepancies in fares, tariffs, baggage claims, and revenue leakage.
10. Autonomous Vehicles
Vehicles used in airlines can take help from ML technology to interpret real-time road conditions to react accordingly. The system uses numerous cameras and complex algorithms to launch vehicles that can operate without human interference.
Optimizing Commercial Airline Efficiency
The aviation industry is making a shift toward digitalization. Big Data and AI can be collectively leveraged to streamline airline operations.
Big Data can help airline operations map flight routes in real-time to optimize flight paths and enhance fuel efficiency. AI in airlines further enhances customer experience through automation and upgrading self-service.
Airline operations can use AI-powered data analytics to improve flight operations across the board and offer their customers a qualitative flight experience.
AI in aviation can show great potential in improving pilot support, airport operators, and flow controllers.
