Why AI-powered airborne ecosystems mark a transition away from analogue airport operations
Embracing digitalisation to connect all stakeholders is essential to improving fleet management, ground operations and the passenger experience.
Imagine a situation in which a malfunction is detected on an aircraft with a legacy infrastructure some 45 minutes away from its destination. The pilot, using his knowledge of the route and what he learned before he departed, must navigate the conditions as best he can to avoid anything that might worsen the situation, such as turbulence or excessive fuel-burn. The pilot notifies the airport of his situation, which then passes on the information to MRO technicians on the apron.
Now compare this example with what would happen onboard an aircraft equipped with a modern airborne ecosystem. At the exact moment the malfunction is detected, data would be shared with MRO operators at the airport, so engineers are fully prepared with all the necessary parts before the aircraft arrives. Meanwhile, the pilot can utilise dynamic weather routing to avoid potentially perilous conditions.
These are just a few of the benefits that airlines can expect by fully embracing digital connectivity that updates all stakeholders in real-time to enhance fleet management, ground operations and, ultimately, the passenger experience.
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Scaling operations to meet rising demand
IATA's 'New Airborne Ecosystem' sets out a roadmap for how commercial aviation can take the necessary steps to move from legacy infrastructure to seamless operations. It comes at a critical time, as the industry faces many challenges – most notably the need for more capacity, as global passenger numbers exceeded pre-pandemic figures for the first time in 2024, and in 2025 they are expected to soar 6.7 percent to 5.2 billion.
The rise is in line with an anticipated CAGR rate of 3 percent heading towards 2050, which will see global passenger numbers increase by 244 percent. Managing the rising number of passengers while maintaining safety and efficiency will require airlines to further integrate digital systems with airport stakeholders – improving coordination, operational visibility and responsiveness.
For the airborne ecosystem to fully realise its potential and enable seamless operations and optimal resource utilisation, all stakeholders must adopt interoperable digital systems. In this way, data can inform the airborne ecosystem how best to operate the airport’s processes and ensure all operations run according to schedule.
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Predictive maintenance essential to give airports flexibility
Flexibility at the airport is vital because the increased demand for capacity has made turnaround times tighter than ever.
AI-powered predictive maintenance enables airport departments and teams to stay a step ahead by enhancing situational awareness and speeding up decision-making processes. By analysing data from IoT sensors, machine-learning algorithms detect parts that are not performing optimally, enabling timely interventions.
In real-time, an onboard self-diagnosis system, or a diagnosis system monitoring remotely, can alert MRO crews at the airport so they are ready with the necessary tools and parts to carry out maintenance. By adopting advanced tools like Skywise Core [X], airlines enhance their ability to share actionable insights with ground operations, boosting overall efficiency and responsiveness.
They can also recommend predictive maintenance on parts that are not performing optimally – a boost not only for performance but in line with regulatory requirements. AI-powered automated systems, meanwhile, are reducing errors made during handling (baggage, other cargo etc) and increasing efficiency – most notably speed. Finally,
AI-powered systems are optimising both routes and schedules to maximise time efficiency.
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SATAIR TAKEAWAY
Airborne ecosystems have the potential to boost operational efficiency at a time when every single minute is crucial for airports. Fast turnarounds require all stakeholders to work from a shared operational picture – driven by real-time data and seamless coordination.
Cover image copyright notice:
@Airbus