The first two months of 2023 have already seen a devastating string of aviation disasters, with over 100 fatalities reported in air crashes. Among these tragedies was a midair collision between a commercial airliner and a helicopter near Washington, DC, and a horrifying incident in Sao Paulo where a plane crashed into a bus on a busy street. These events followed a particularly deadly 2022, which was marked as one of the worst years in aviation history, with at least 318 deaths across 11 civilian airplane crashes, including two incidents in the final week of December. While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, these high-profile crashes have reignited fears of flying, a phobia that affects at least 25 million adults in the United States alone, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The fear is further fueled by incidents such as emergency landings, aircraft skidding off runways, and even a plane door detaching mid-flight.
The aviation industry is grappling with the question of how to prevent such tragedies, with human error identified as the primary cause of the majority of crashes. Experts and investigations consistently point to mistakes made by pilots, air traffic controllers, or maintenance personnel as the leading factors in aviation accidents. Up to 80% of all aviation accidents are attributed to human error, with pilot error alone accounting for 53% of aircraft accidents. While this may seem alarming, it’s important to remember that air travel is still far safer than many other forms of transportation. As noted by the law firm Panish-Shea-Ravipudi LLP, “air travel is only as safe as the operator, the equipment, and the training procedures that underlie the flight itself.” This underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and continuous improvements in aviation practices.
The aviation industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential solution to mitigate human error and enhance safety. AI is already being used in various aspects of aviation, from optimizing flight routes and improving fuel efficiency to predictive maintenance and accident prevention. In air traffic control (ATC) and collision avoidance systems, AI is helping to improve situational awareness and decision-making processes. Freshta Farzam, CEO and founder of LYTE Aviation, emphasizes that “AI is already playing a crucial role in reducing aviation accidents and loss of life by improving situational awareness, predictive maintenance, and decision-making processes.” However, the integration of AI into commercial aviation is not without its challenges. The regulatory landscape requires extensive testing and certification before new technologies can be implemented, a process that can take years.
Despite these hurdles, the potential of AI to transform aviation safety is immense. For instance, AI-powered co-pilots could take over in emergency situations, reducing the likelihood of human error. Autonomous systems are being explored for their ability to landed aircraft safely, even in zero-visibility conditions, a feat already demonstrated by Airbus in its ATTOL project, where an A350 successfully completed a fully autonomous, vision-based taxi, takeoff, and landing. However, the transition to fully autonomous flights is still a long way off. Amad Malik, chief AI officer at Airport AI Exchange, cautions that while AI holds great promise, it is not yet ready to replace human pilots. “If you try to implement that kind of solution, we are just going towards something which is way more complex than it has to be,” he warns. Instead, Malik advocates for a gradual approach, where AI is introduced alongside human operators, allowing for a hybrid system that combines the strengths of both humans and machines.
The future of aviation may also involve a shift toward autonomous air taxis and sky buses, a market expected to grow exponentially by the end of the decade. By 2029, the air-taxi market is projected to reach $80.3 billion, up from $4.9 billion in 2023, driven by the need for alternative transportation options in congested urban areas. While this represents a significant opportunity for innovation and sustainability, it also raises questions about public trust and the readiness of regulatory frameworks. Farzam predicts that autonomous air taxis and sky buses will become a reality but not within the next 15 years. “Human beings need to get ready for it,” she says, highlighting the need for a cultural and psychological adjustment to the idea of autonomous flight.
Ultimately, the path forward for aviation safety lies in a collaborative approach between humans and AI. Rather than replacing pilots and air traffic controllers, AI should be seen as a tool to augment human capabilities, improving decision-making and reducing the likelihood of errors. As noted in a 2023 World Economic Forum piece, “autonomy can augment human capabilities in aviation – and vice versa – rather than replacing them.” This hybrid approach not only enhances safety but also opens the door to new innovations, such as autonomous air taxis and more sustainable aviation practices. While the road ahead is complex, with technological, regulatory, and societal challenges to overcome, the potential for AI to make flying safer and more efficient is undeniable. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of aviation will be shaped by the careful integration of human expertise and cutting-edge technology.
