Five Methods Utilized by AI in Maintaining the Thriving Aviation Tourism Sector's Momentum

Five Strategies Employing Artificial Intelligence that Maintain the Thriving Aviation Sector's Momentum

In 2023, roughly 30% of flights ended up being over 15 minutes late, as per Eurocontrol's 2024 data. Regrettably, this situation is still prevalent for numerous travelers worldwide. The holiday season brings along its typical chaos: overflowing airports, lengthy queues at security checks, delayed flights, and the occasional frenzy to locate a gate. This logistical disaster can test even the most experienced travel personnel. Yet, the travel industry is finding some solace in the mayhem, thanks to the advent of AI.

Udi Segall, the CEO of IntellAct, underlined in an interview that AI's role in the travel sector is not merely about technology, but about connecting people. "AI's real strength lies in its human impact," Segall shared, "It's about ensuring families meet on time, sparing crew members from extended delays, and providing peace of mind to passengers who are navigating the holiday rush."

Airports and airlines are benefiting from AI this holiday season, making their operations more streamlined, reducing costs, and enhancing passenger experiences. Segall identified five crucial ways in which AI is maintaining the booming travel industry on course.

5 Ways AI is Enhancing Air Travel Industry

1. Diagnosing Delays and Maintaining On-Time Departures

AI's most significant promise for the travel industry is its ability to track, analyze, and improve aircraft turnaround times - a vital metric for maintaining on-time performance. Segall, who is also a board member of the Smart Airport Technologies Association, pointed out that AI-driven descriptive analytics can monitor every aspect of the turnaround process, from baggage unloading to cleaning services and passenger boarding.

The vast amount of data gathered by AI often helps in creating a clear visual of the duration of each step. Consequently, when delays occur, AI's diagnostic capabilities can pinpoint the causes, such as slower-than-expected boarding or baggage handling issues.

"These insights would be impossible to achieve manually, providing airport personnel a means to address inefficiencies in real time," said Segall.

2. Preventing Disruptions Before They Escalate

Beyond diagnosing delays, AI also aids in predicting and preventing disruptions. By analyzing historical and real-time data, AI can predict how long it will take to resolve an issue and recommend actions to minimize its impact. Predictive analytics, for instance, can suggest whether it's wiser to wait for missing passengers or prioritize fuel-efficient paths to gates.

"AI does not only keep tabs on traveler traffic but also empowers personnel to make superior decisions, reducing costs and customer frustrations," Segall noted.

3. Boosting Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

Flight delays result in not only lost time but also lost revenue. Many of us have endured such experiences, spending hours in waiting areas, filled with anger and contemplating the verbal abuse we will unleash in our complaint submissions. Such occurrences negatively impact airlines' profits.

Although record-breaking numbers of people are flying today, according to CNN, airlines' profits continue to plummet, with the aviation industry losing billions annually due to disruptions - from wasted fuel to labor expenses and compensation for unhappy passengers. In this aspect, AI's predictive skills prove valuable.

Segall highlighted that IntellAct's AI-powered systems assist airlines in making the most of gates, aircraft, and personnel, reducing idle times and fuel consumption. He added that this not only saves money but also aids the industry in staying committed to the pursuit of net-zero by 2050.

4. Creating Safer Airports

While there are ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI for air travel, AI platforms, like IntellAct, amplify safety standards during turnaround operations. These platforms detect and report violations in real time, whether it's identifying improperly loaded baggage or spotting unauthorized personnel in restricted areas.

5. Enhancing the Passenger Experience

For air travelers, AI-driven tools offer reduced stress, shorter wait times, and more predictability, impacting the overall journey for passengers. Segall envisions a future where passengers rejoice in seamless journeys, thanks to AI-driven innovations.

From optimizing check-in times to managing gate assignments and improving in-flight services, AI can unlock a new range of experiences for air travelers.

"Air travel hasn't changed much for passengers in decades," Segall said. "But with AI, we can finally create journeys that are smoother, more enjoyable, and less frustrating."

AI's Economic Advantage in Aviation

The most significant benefit of integrating AI into air travel operations is the economic value it presents. For example, one of the main reasons for losses for airlines is flight disruption. Delays lead to substantial losses, such as wasted fuel and high labor costs, as well as compensation for angry passengers.

Imagine the cumulative global GDP growth if millions of passengers spent less time in airports and more time engaged in productive activities. "By maintaining flights on time, AI contributes not just to operational efficiency but also to global economic growth," Segall said, adding that "the aviation industry operates with minimal margins, and AI provides a viable path to profitability without compromising passenger experience or sustainability."

Whether it's ensuring timely reunions during the holiday rush or driving long-term economic growth, AI looks set to transform the way we travel, one flight at a time.

The holiday season often brings challenges to the air travel industry, but AI is being hailed as a solution to improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance passenger experiences.
In the air travel industry, AI is being used to diagnose delays and maintain on-time departures by analyzing every aspect of the turnaround process, from baggage handling to passenger boarding.
By integrating AI into air travel operations, the air travel industry can potentially contribute to global economic growth by maintaining flights on time, reducing losses from delays, and minimizing idle times and fuel consumption.
The air travel industry is positioning itself as an AI economic superpower, leveraging the technology to ensure sustainability and net-zero emissions by 2050, while simultaneously enhancing the traveler experience.