Travel Tech: The Latest Innovations in Airline Technology

Aviation

Autonomous Aircraft

Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft – eVTOL, is becoming increasingly popular in the aviation industry. Why? Because it has a lot of positive impact such as reduced noise pollution, faster air travel, sleeker design, and – most importantly the potential of being completely autonomous!

It has been reported that eVTOLs have been successfully tested as autonomous. However, most of them are designed to have a pilot on board or be operated by remote control.

For instance, Airbus has successfully tested an airliner, which is fully autonomous for taxiing, taking off, and landing. Boeing also tested five jets that are autonomously flown by artificial intelligence (AI). Highly possible that there will be no selfies with pilots on social media in the future, as there simply will be no pilots in the cabins!

AI-driven Solutions

There are many ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can be used, including improving flight safety, optimizing maintenance, enhancing customer experiences, and training pilots. Airplanes have numerous sensors that continuously monitor aircraft parts such as wings, engines, landing gear, and avionics. Using artificial intelligence, the data is analyzed and predictions of equipment failures are made before they occur. Although sky transport overall is very safe, it is always good to make sure that the plane is in perfect condition.

As an example, Lufthansa Technik MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provides airlines with digital platforms and tools, so that they can access and visualize the state of their aircraft in real time. Early detection of potential problems enhances the safety and reliability of the aircraft, meeting the highest industry standards.

Another area where AI is used is assisting customers with inquiries in the aviation industry. AI and chatbots are being implemented while reducing staff workloads and providing quick and accurate responses. To provide 24/7 customer support and improve the travel experience, airlines and airports are integrating chatbots into their websites and mobile applications to handle frequently asked questions – flight schedules, baggage allowances, and travel restrictions.

Imagine being at the airport with lots of questions but unable to find someone to answer them. Suddenly, you spot a QR code. When scanned, it immediately takes you to a website where you can find FAQs and chat with a chatbot tailored to your personal situation. Travel stress-free!

Biometrics

With biometrics such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, airport security protocols can be greatly improved and boarding processes can be smooth. In Doha, Qatar, Hamad International Airport has implemented a self-service system based on biometrics called “Smart Travel,” which uses palm vein scanning as a key component. By verifying the passenger’s identity using the palm vein recognition system, all stages of the process can be carried out without the need for physical documents and manual verification. It should be such a relief for people who tend to forget their documents at home on the day of the flight.

By using advanced algorithms, airports would also be able to match lost items with their owners. For instance, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport are using AI-based lost and found platforms to reconnect passengers with their lost belongings. According to Boomerang, a leading lost and found platform, Americans spend more than $2.7 billion on lost items every year, most of which are lost at businesses. By implementing Boomerang’s smart, efficient, and user-friendly lost and found solution, its network partners gain visibility into their customers’ lost item claims as well as the misplaced items they find at their locations.

More enjoyable flying experience

To ensure long-haul travelers have a restful journey, airlines are investing in more comfortable seating options, such as lie-flat beds in premium cabins. Flying with Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, passengers can easily transform their seats into private cabins that provide a luxurious travel experience. 

Among the other news from Airbus, is that they have developed a concept cabin that reimagines a plane’s interior as more than rows of cramped seats so it would be easier to understand for the passengers when buying a flight ticket. However, Airbus goes beyond that, instead of first class and economy class seating in Airbus’ future cabin, passengers will have an option of engaging in a variety of activities – one section for business meetings, another for socializing, and other areas for playing virtual reality golf. I feel like long-haul flights with such fun entertainment would feel like it happened in an hour!

For modern travelers, in-flight Wi-Fi has become an essential expectation for making it possible to stay connected and productive in the air. Providing passengers with this comfort and personalization will make air travel more enjoyable and relaxing.

Using social media to pick your seat-mates

Did you know, that KLM is testing out a program called “Meet & Seat” which allows people who are traveling on the plane to share their social media profiles. What for? It may help you find a seat next to someone who shares your professional or personal interests, or who just seems like someone you would be able to have an enjoyable conversation with during the trip. All those romantic movies about lovers meeting on the plane can finally become a reality. 

The aviation industry is continuously moving forward to meet the demands of the ever-changing world. From sustainable aviation initiatives and electric aircrafts, to AI-driven Solutions and making air travel more enjoyable. In a world where technology continues to advance and sustainability becomes increasingly important, the future holds tremendous possibilities for the aviation industry to become connected, efficient, and sustainable. Air travel will redefine how we explore the world in the future, with endless possibilities available.

But the future is the future, we will have to be a little bit more patient to see the huge developments right away! For now, when flights still get disturbed, the only smart thing to do is to contact a professional team – Skycop, who can help you get compensation for flight cancellations, delays or denied boarding!