How AI Will Transform the Airline Industry in the coming years until 2030: Four Key Application Areas

January 2025 – The aviation sector is on the verge of a significant technological leap. Many AI applications are already in use or close to broader adoption. Four areas will become particularly relevant from 2025 onward.

1. Smarter Flight Planning and Operational Decision-Making

Airlines are increasingly relying on AI-supported systems that analyze operational data streams in real time, including weather data, airspace capacity, maintenance status, and traffic conditions. The goals:

• optimized flight routes and fuel consumption

• more accurate delay predictions

• faster decision-making during operational disruptions (delays, aircraft on ground (AOG), staff shortages, etc.)

  
  

These systems are primarily designed to support decision-making and assist crews and Operations Control in complex situations.

2. Predictive Maintenance

Modern aircraft generate extensive sensor data that AI uses to detect patterns. This enables earlier identification of technical issues. Expected benefits include:

• shorter ground times

• fewer unplanned failures

• better planning of maintenance windows

• longer lifespan of certain components

  
  

Airlines and MRO providers are increasingly integrating these models into their maintenance strategies.

3. Intelligent Ground and Passenger Management

On the ground, AI delivers key impulses for process optimization, including:

• automated check-in and boarding solutions

• optimized aircraft turnaround processes

• passenger flow forecasting

• dynamic resource and rotation planning

  
  

The goal is a smoother travel experience with shorter waiting times and more efficient operations.

4. Personalized Customer Experience

AI enables more individualized interaction with passengers across various channels. Typical application areas:

• tailored offers and upselling

• personalized communication

• automated self-service processes

• faster, data-driven solutions during disruptions

  
  

As a result, AI becomes an important building block for higher customer satisfaction and stronger loyalty.

Regulatory Framework (Across All Areas)

All mentioned AI applications will be technically and organizationally feasible from 2025 onward. However, aviation worldwide is subject to strict regulations to ensure safe operations:

• In operations and maintenance, final decisions must always be confirmed by qualified humans (human-in-the-loop).

• Under the EU AI Act, many of these systems are classified as high-risk AI, requiring extensive documentation, transparency, and monitoring.

• Applications involving biometric data (e.g., facial recognition during boarding) may only be used with explicit consent and in full compliance with GDPR.

• Personalization and profiling processes must be transparent, fair, and non-manipulative.

  
  

In short: From 2025 onward, AI becomes a key competitive advantage. Companies that deploy AI can gain a clear edge — but always within a tightly regulated and responsible framework.