Once in a lifetime

The aviation industry stands on the threshold of a remarkable transformation. Watching Keith Patrick Martin, the CEO of Lufthansa Group, talk at the Future Travel Experience Expo, I was struck when he exclaimed that we’re in the midst of a ”once in a lifetime transformation”. To put it simply, he’s right—AI truly is a once-in-a generation leap forwards. The World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam presents a unique opportunity for industry leaders to understand, explore and harness AI. Given what’s at stake, I’m inclined to ask… who can afford to miss out?

I’m going to explore some of the practical use cases of AI in aviation. Grouped into three categories, I’m certain you’ll find at least one exciting use case to explore further at the World Aviation Festival.

1. Optimising operations using AI

In an industry where profit margins can be razor-thin, optimising operations is crucial. Here are five ways that AI can help:

i. Dynamic pricing

‍AI can help you optimally price tickets, seats and ancillaries, ensuring you capture the most revenue while delivering a positive experience for customers.

Suggested activity: Come to our stand to try our interactive dynamic pricing game

ii. Turnaround optimisation

‍Get planes back in the air faster with AI insights into boarding, cleaning and fuelling.

iii. Marketing optimisation

Reach the right customer, in the right place, at the right time. AI is setting a new benchmark in personalised marketing campaigns.

iv. Reducing food waste

‍Eliminating food waste saves on operating costs and reduces environmental impact. Using AI-powered inventory management and employing practices such as pre-ordering should be front-of-mind.

Suggested panel: How will the shift in market demand, adoption of a new AI ecosystem, offer-order and the cost of sustainability impact revenue management teams in the next 5 years? featuring experts from Pegasus, Vivaaerobus and easyJet

v. Reducing fuel consumption

‍By optimising fuel consumption through algorithms that account for factors such as weight, weather and flight path, AI can substantially reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Suggested panel: Seamless & sustainable: How are we building our smart airports for the future with sustainability goals and passengers at the forefront? featuring experts from Swedavia, Fraport, Schiphol, IGA and Heathrow

2. Getting your AI strategy in place

There’s no use in investing in AI without having the proper foundations in place. To us at Datasparq, that means doing the following:

i. Finding high-impact use cases

‍Learn how to find, evaluate and prioritise AI use cases so you can tell a winner from a passing trend.

Suggested panel: How will generative AI impact the aviation sector—and what strategies can be employed to harness its potential? featuring experts from Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, IATA and Lufthansa

ii. Creating an AI roadmap

‍To make the most of the potential of AI, businesses must have a roadmap in place. It sets the direction and scope, lays out prioritised use cases and sets up the implementation journey.

Suggested talk: Beyond efficiency: How are we embracing AI, automation, and collaboration to create an efficient ground operations ecosystem? by The Airport Guy

iii. Getting your data foundations in place

It all starts with collecting, storing and making accessible the data you need to fuel your AI transformation.

Suggested panel: How can airports invest in relevant and long-lasting passenger technology? featuring experts such as John Hudson, CTO from MAG

3. Mitigating risks with AI

AI isn’t just for creating value; it’s for protecting against risks, too:

i. Security and data protection

‍Use AI-powered anomaly detection to prevent fraud attempts before they happen. Additionally, with the introduction of new technologies like CT scanners, AI-powered image analysis and object recognition algorithms are increasingly essential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the security screening process.

ii. Predicting potential disruptions

‍Use AI to predict no-shows and optimise overbooking, reducing disruptions, improving customer satisfaction and increasing revenue. 

Don’t stall your AI journey

With AI comes a new era of operational efficiency, customer experience and sustainability. Positioning oneself for success in this transformation requires strategic manoeuvring, skilled teams and a deep understanding of the industry's data landscape.

Here at Datasparq, we excel in building AI solutions that drive real impact every day. Our team of experts, equipped with a deep understanding of AI, data science and the aviation industry can help you navigate the transformation.

So, don’t miss the opportunity to chat about how AI can make your business better at the World Aviation Festival—book some time to chat with me at the event now!