Can you imagine a future in which sophisticated artificial intelligence networks and cutting-edge automation fly planes without a single pilot in the cockpit? The aviation industry will undergo a radical change, where this innovation could completely transform air travel, changing how we communicate, trade, and explore. However, as technology advances, it poses the crucial question: are we prepared to give machines control of the sky?
Today, we already have developments in autonomous planes. For decades, the US military has been flying these planes but always in a segregated airspace. Many in the aviation industry believe that small, self-flying planes could be carrying passengers by the end of this decade. If there are no safety incidents, larger passenger planes could take as little as another decade to operate without a pilot on board. Stephane Fymat, head of UAM and UAS, has a company with a long history of producing autopilot systems for aircraft. He says, “All of these companies are looking forward to the day when a pilot will not be on board. The script is to start with something that doesn’t sound like it’s going to hurt people. But the reality is that it’s still the same sky and a metal tube in the air, and passenger jets will be sharing the sky with them.” However, some experts believe commercial airlines will never go pilotless. This, to many, is probably a relief because what would happen if the computer flying the plane malfunctioned? According to NASA data, an aircraft system malfunction occurs on 20% of flights. Moreover, AI would make decisions based on “by the book” regulations and might be unable to make “generative intelligence” decisions like Capt—Chesley Sullenberger’s emergency landing in the Hudson River.
Some rising questions regarding the future of aviation are the advantages and disadvantages. The first advantage could be cost efficiency because, according to a UBS report it stated, “The aviation industry could save up to $35 billion a year by eliminating pilots in the cockpit: more than $26 billion in pilot salaries, benefits, and training costs, $3 billion for business aviation, $2.1 billion for civil helicopters, over $1 billion in fuel savings from computer-driven flight optimization, plus $3 billion from lower insurance premiums.” Another advantage is increased efficiency because by optimizing fuel consumption, aircraft routes, and scheduling, automation can minimize delays and environmental impact. Lastly, pilotless planes can expand accessibility because autonomous technology may allow smaller, more remote communities to access air transport utilizing regular, reasonably priced unmanned flights.
Regarding disadvantages, the most common one is passenger trust because Dr. R. John Hansman, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT International Center for Air Transportation, stated, “The issue is could you put paying customers in the back of that aircraft.” According to a UBS survey, a majority of people, 54%, said they would not fly in a pilotless plane (even if the tickets were cheaper). Another disadvantage would be cyber security risks since pilotless planes would become more vulnerable to hacking and cyberattacks, presenting possible threats to national security and passenger safety. Lastly, job displacement could be a massive challenge as a move toward pilotless planes could impact thousands of aviation professionals, such as pilots and training institutions.
The journey toward autonomous planes poses ethical and social considerations like responsibility, employment, equity in access, trust, and safety. Should pilots only be a human-based job simply because we would feel safer with one on board than none? The common trend between the two is trust and improved efficiency when weighing the advantages and disadvantages. This transformative shift in aviation will be unpredictable and skeptical at first. Still, whether we embrace this technology with optimism or concern, one thing is sure: aviation will undoubtedly reach new heights. Would you trust AI flying a plane or prefer having pilots on board?
