Airlines and airports are trialling new AI technology to reduce delays, increase efficiency for turnaround procedures, and save on costs.
AI for traffic management
London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport are currently testing the use of AI technology to improve traffic management.
The new AI system will help these airports recover the capacity lost due to low cloud cover that reduces visibility from their air traffic control towers.
The system uses ultra-high-definition cameras, advanced identification AI and machine-learning technology to assist human controllers when weather conditions impair their vision.
AI assigns boarding gates
Many airports and airlines in the United States are introducing AI technology to allocate boarding gates to aircraft, preventing them from having to cross from one side of a vast airport to another, thus reducing delays and increasing boarding efficiency.
American Airlines introduced this technology to gates at Dallas International Airport and has seen positive results, with an average saving of two minutes of taxi time per flight, or 11 hours per day.
The technology also improved circumstances for passengers as it meant they saw 50% fewer gate changes and fewer delays.
The initiative, known as the Smart Gating programme, has been rolled out at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Miami International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
