The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology in the air transport eco-system is gaining global traction requiring the industry to invest over $3.9 trillion in digital tech by 2027, propelled by the anticipated demand for 674,000 new pilots, 716,000 maintenance techs, and 980,000 cabin crew by 2044.
Besides airlines, requiring technical personnel, airport authorities, air navigation services providers, ground handling companies, weather forecasting agencies and other players in the air travel space in Nigeria and other parts of the globe are intensifying their adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
These organisations, have initiated training for their work force in the relevant areas to embrace the penetration of the remote technology to drive reliability, efficiency and accuracy for aviation communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) as well as air traffic management (ATM) systems.
Experts say AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the air transport , airport management , airspace management and travel weather management systems.
To plug into the evolving remote technology in air travel business, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the apex civil aviation regulator – Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are already deploying resources to equip their work force with the opportunities associated with Artificial Intelligence.
Experts say the rise of AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity roles are creating career opportunities as companies such as Boeing, RTX, and the FAA expand their workforce.
They say, digital advancements are transforming training, maintenance, and air traffic control, driving a tech-driven future in aviation.
The aviation industry is rapidly embracing digital technologies to maintain efficiency and safety, with global spending on technology integration.
Speaking in an interview, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku the authority is particularly interested in exploring the role of AI in revolutionising both airport operations and training.
She said FAAN is working towards effectively integrating these technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability at Nigerian airports.
Kuku said the authority is making efforts to address critical issues facing the aviation industry.
FAAN, she said is embracing digital technology through investment in personnel and infrastructure to balancing aviation growth with sustainability, leveraging AI to enhance airport operations.
Mrs. Kuku said, “We are particularly interested in exploring the role of AI in revolutionizing both airport operations and training and how FAAN can effectively integrate these technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability at our airports.
“As new technologies emerge, so too do new opportunities for professionals with expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and AI operations. The future of aviation is undoubtedly digital, and professionals ready to embrace these innovations will be at the forefront of this evolving industry.”
Speaking in an interview, the Director of Electronic Engineering Services (DEES) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Teresa Ihenachor highlighted the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the airspace management system.
She said Artificial Intelligence (AI), is gaining traction in the NAMA through its adoption in radar data, radio frequency (RF) data, surveillance data, voice and data link communications, GPS data, instrument landing system (ILS) data, meteorological data, and airport operational data among others.
She further stated that incorporating AI into these data streams can empower Nigeria’s air traffic systems to anticipate and respond to challenges more proactively, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
By fully leveraging this vast data pool, Ihenachor said the agency can create smarter, more responsive air traffic control systems, capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
She stated that the engineers and by extension, the agency were committed to fixing many of the navigational infrastructure challenges that NAMA may be facing such as a few obsolete equipment, insufficient spares and training in some areas.
Ihenachor said NAMA is keeping pace by acquiring some of the latest state-of-the-art technologies that contribute to the improvement of the safety of Air Navigation infrastructures for safe and seamless air traffic operations in Nigeria.
With the continuous evolution and advent of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and gradual transition from the conventional CNS systems to the Future Air Navigation systems.
“Our personnel will need recurrent training and retraining to ensure that we sustain the tremendous improvements recorded in our airspace safety.
and reliability with very minimal equipment downtime and zero incidence reported due to CNS systems failure.”
“Though we may be facing some challenges due to a few obsolete equipment, insufficient spares and training in some areas, it is not enough to relent on our efforts to sustain the gains recorded so far by being more committed and innovative in performing our professional duties in line with ICAO standards and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).
She imagined a future where AI, powered by quantum computing, can predict weather patterns with unparalleled accuracy, optimize flight paths in real-time, and even anticipate potential equipment failures before they occur.
“Can you picture a world where the airspace is managed autonomously, and potential hazards are prevented before they happen? This future isn’t far-fetched; it’s the promise of technology.”
Describing AI as a game-changer in aviation, the NAMA director explained that the technology is no longer a futuristic concept; hinting, “It’s here, transforming the way we operate. From predictive maintenance to self-healing systems, AI is already making a huge impact. AI-powered systems analyze data from aircraft components to predict potential failures, reducing unscheduled maintenance by some percentages by some airlines.
“Our responsibilities have always been focused on the safety, accuracy, and integrity of the systems that underpin air traffic management. With the integration of AI, our role is now evolving to include new competencies and adaptability to modern tools and processes.”
“We are not merely adapting to changes but are positioned to drive innovation that defines the future of air traffic safety and management. By embracing AI, we can enhance safety. AI systems can detect anomalies, predict potential hazards, and provide real-time alerts”.
The NCAA on its part, has organised many programmes for its personnel to plug into the digital technology system.
Recently,its Director General , Captain Chris Najomo directed the implementation of increased adoption of digital technology in the areas of consumer protection and management.
Najomo said : “ Achieving Increased adoption of digital technology in the air travel customer complain management will create a stronger interface between airline operators, aviation agencies and air travellers to enhance improved and effective communication.”
Meanwhile, an aviation expert and founder of Funcaul Technologies, Abimbola Caulcrick, has called on the Federal Government to adopt artificial intelligence for smoother operations at Nigerian airports.
He said the adoption of AI would help facilitate a reduction in the processing time.
Caulcrick said many systems in other countries were AI and had significantly improved processing times through their adoption of AI at their various airports.
Caulcrick said: “A lot of systems are artificially intelligent. For instance, security systems like scanners can significantly help to reduce the processing time”.
The aviation expert noted that a fully automated system would do everything without the presence of a manual operator on the ground.
He said: “I know a particular company in Israel where scanning is automated. So, artificial intelligence does everything. If there’s any issue, it sends the information to the operator’s phone, and the operator doesn’t have to be there physically to resolve it because everything has been included in the system. They don’t need a manual operator checking the screen.”
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Financing and Promoting Technology (FTP), the need to replace legacy applications is driving Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to strategically invest in tech solutions, despite the challenges of implementation.
These advancements in technology, experts say are already delivering major benefits as new tools are enhancing air traffic management, professional training, and performance optimization which is integral to managing the soaring passenger numbers, projected to hit 5.2 billion by end 2025.
IATA states : “ As the sector digitalises, new technology roles are emerging. These include cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, and AI developers, driven by the sector’s need for professionals skilled in data analytics, machine learning, and operational optimization.
“As AI and automation streamline air traffic control (ATC), they are improving safety, efficiency, and capacity. AI-based systems provide real-time data to enhance decision-making and communication, reducing workload and minimising risks.”