The Top Aviation Industry Trends of 2023 and What 2024 May Bring

Within the last year alone, the aviation industry saw tremendous advances in technology being developed for a post-pandemic, ever-evolving world. With an increase in global travel demands, momentum is picking up for the booming return of the aviation industry. And its response—improving standards, lowering costs, acquiring better equipment, and implementing sustainable processes. From automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to biometrics and security, aviation professionals are exploring the many new ways in which to meet the needs of its business growth. As this year comes to a close, we will review where the aviation industry currently stands, and what this could mean for 2024 and beyond. 

Integrating AI Industry-Wide

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened a lot of opportunities for many industries. For aviation, AI offers improved ways to predict maintenance needs for equipment, automate aircraft monitoring systems, analyze systems operations, and detect potential issues through real-time detection and forecasting. This, in turn, will lead to increases in efficiency, safety, and overall savings for customers. AI also has the potential to deliver personalized experiences for travelers, changing the game for the industry from a marketing standpoint, and increasing the comfort factor in an industry that has a marred reputation in terms of customer service.

Through the use of Augmented Reality (AR), pilots are enjoying improved digital mapping applications, GPS navigation, and assistive technology that provides immediate information as to weather conditions, collision courses, troubleshooting, and general Q&A chat as needed. Also, pilot training is being revolutionized through AI, with improved flight simulators that use machine learning and algorithms “to replicate real-world scenarios, providing trainee pilots with a realistic and immersive experience” and a better understanding of emergency situations and system failures within a controlled environment.

Upping the Security Standards

The aviation industry makes continuous and active efforts to improve airport security. The establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is one notable measure taken in response to the devastating 9/11 incident of 2001. In recent years, TSA professionals have been working to make improvements to security using new technology, making the onboarding process not only safer but more efficient. The use of biometric facial recognition, for example, can offer a more accurate and less time-consuming means of identification, as well as an additional layer of assurance and security for both travelers and airline employees. As this technology becomes more widely used, biometric data would ideally serve as one’s passport or REAL ID, using one’s facial features to identify the person linked to a verified flight account. It was found that 88% of travelers who were able to test this form of ID at some airports prefer this method due to its ease and speed of use. In the future, biometrics may be authorized as a form of payment at airports as well, lending to an overall optimized travel experience that is quicker and more consumer-friendly without compromising safety. 

Exploring New Equipment

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a new trend being explored for the future of the aviation landscape. This concept employs electric flying transport systems for moving passengers and cargo within smaller, urban areas without the need for a runway, as is seen with the vertical lift-off of an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Upgrades to current equipment as well as buying new aircraft is another step being taken by big airlines like Delta, which ordered 110 new Airbus and Boeing jets to be manufactured and delivered by 2030. 

Technological advancements have made it possible for planes to use less fuel and travel farther than before, making for a more sustainable industry overall. In Germany’s Hydrogen Aviation Lab of Hamburg Airport, engineers are also exploring new science like hydrogen usage in aviation, stating that “climate-friendly flying with hydrogen technology is an important building block for the future of aviation.”

The Future of Aviation

With these new standards and technology come considerations for their ethical and secure implementation. The collection of biometric data, for example, could potentially impose on Personally Identifiable Information (PII) protections. While every effort is usually taken to preserve such information, this does not always stop hackers from gaining access to not only data but taking control of self-driving vehicles and aircraft. With AI trends, we are also seeing more “deepfake” issues, where people can impersonate others and potentially board a plane illegally. 

The future of not only the aviation industry, but all industries, lies in proper data management and the safeguarding of collected information. Cybersecurity plays a significant role in maintaining the integrity, legitimacy, and trustworthiness of many industries, which is why it is so important for highly educated professionals to enter this field.

To explore educational opportunities within the aviation field, visit our Aviation and Astronautical Sciences page.