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Risk in Context Podcast: The next generation of aviation technology

From artificial intelligence, to virtual reality, to advanced equipment, emerging technology is revolutionising the aviation industry, impacting both air and ground operations and transforming training and risk.

From artificial intelligence, to virtual reality, to advanced equipment, emerging technology is revolutionising the aviation industry, impacting both air and ground operations and transforming training but also introducing new risks.

When used effectively, today’s quickly evolving technologies can contribute to improved safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities and also potentially cut costs. However, emerging technologies can bring significant risks, underscoring the importance that they are carefully considered, tested, and properly trained on, especially when being introduced into such a safety-critical environment.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Andy James, who leads Marsh’s Aviation Operational Advisory team, speaks with Kinga Kolasa-Sokolowska, a client advisor at Marsh Japan, about the opportunities as well as the risks that technology advancements are bringing to the aviation industry. Greg Wyght, a senior vice president within Marsh’s Aviation Practice, and Rory Heilakka, a Partner at Oliver Wyman, also discuss specific innovations and how these are impacting commercial airlines, air traffic management, and emergency response.

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Key takeaways

Emerging technology could help address the persisting pilot shortage.

The global pilot shortage is expected to continue through 2027. Rapidly advancing technology is expected to shape the workforce of the future, especially through advanced simulations that help new pilots through their training process. But a mindset shift is still needed to embed advanced training technologies more broadly.

Effective training is critical to minimise risks and overreliance.

As the aviation industry introduces new technologies, there should be an emphasis on comprehensive training for those using it to minimise potential risks and overreliance. Setting up robust policies and procedures and clear guidance will help both new and existing aviation professionals better understand the most effective use of new tech and risk management.

AI has the potential to revolutionise the industry.

From advanced analytics, to predictive maintenance, to technology to monitor and reduce congestion in the air and on the ground, AI has many applications within the aviation industry that can help improve safety, efficiency, and potentially cut costs. But AI is not a magic bullet and businesses should be careful of unreasonable expectations when looking to achieve specific goals.

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