HOW AI IS TRANSOFRMING Air Travel Operations

From smarter flight planning to personalised airport experience, Al is changing how we fly, often behind the scenes, but with a big impact you can feel.

- NITHESH KRISHNA is pursuing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), with academic foundations in Computer Science from the University of the West of England and a research focus on self-service technologies in airports.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era for the aviation sector, transforming airline and airport operations across every layer of their systems. As air travel becomes more complex, requiring higher safety standards, greater operational efficiency, and an enhanced passenger experience, AI has emerged as a critical enabler in meeting these demands.

Across the aviation ecosystem, advanced AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, now play a central role in functions ranging from flight planning to aircraft maintenance. AI enables airlines and airports to make real-time, data-driven decisions, reduce human error, and respond effectively to rapidly changing operational conditions. By optimising flight routes, strengthening maintenance processes, and enhancing customer engagement and security, AI has become indispensable to modern aviation systems.

As sustainability assumes greater global importance, AI is also helping the sector lower its environmental footprint through improved fuel efficiency and more effective resource allocation.

AI systems can process and analyse vast datasets to generate insights that were previously inaccessible, allowing stakeholders to forecast trends, prevent incidents, and ensure smoother travel experiences. In addition, the adoption of AI helps address workforce shortages in areas such as air traffic control and maintenance by automating repetitive tasks and supporting human decision-making. This article explores advanced applications of AI in the aviation sector, offering a detailed examination of how these technologies are shaping the future of air travel.

Predictive maintenance