Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » Travel Buzz

How New Technologies are Changing The Aviation Industry In 2023

Travelers Today       By    David Thompson

Updated: Mar 06, 2023 02:22 PM EST

Text Size: A A A

Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash

(Photo: John McArthur on Unsplash)

The aviation sector is, of course, one that has been shaped by technological developments since its inception. In many ways, it represents the peak of technical achievements. In some ways, though, it lags behind other sectors with its strict safety standards and long development times. Technology changes are always underway, however - here are just a few to watch out for in 2023.

Airports and the use of biometric technology

This is an area that has grown quickly, and 2023 could be an important year for development. We have already seen adoption of biometric data for immigration and for aircraft boarding in many regions, and this will continue. British Airways, as just one example, carried out significant trials with biometrics in 2022, and has plans to expand. It is also becoming more common in countries including the USA, France, Germany, Japan, UAE, and Hong Kong.

This is not just something airlines and airports want for time and cost savings. Passengers want it too, and this will no doubt speed up its adoption. A recent IATA survey showed that convenience is the top priority for travellers post-pandemic. Satisfaction with using biometric data so far is high, and 75% of passengers want biometrics to replace passports and boarding passes. Its contactless nature is an important consideration too in the post-COVID environment.

Use of CT scanners at airport security

Also linked to passenger convenience, and the important area of improved security, new computed tomography (CT) based scanners are being introduced for airport security. These create a 3D image of scanned items and will allow electronics and liquids to remain inside bags. Eventually, the restriction on liquid volumes should be removed too, but this is a safety policy issue.

We have already seen limited introduction of this technology, and we will see more commitment to it during 2023. As just a few major examples, Amsterdam Schiphol has fully installed such technology, the US TSA announced a major contract in 2022 to start equipping US airports, and in the UK the government has confirmed plans to have the technology in all major airports by mid-2024.

Fuel efficiencies and savings using Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, data analysis, and the use of "big data" has enormous potential in many areas of airline operations. We are already seeing adoption and resulting improvements in many areas, such as flight scheduling, flight route planning, passenger profiling, and aircraft maintenance. One area of increasing importance in 2023 is likely to be fuel efficiency.

Analysing flight routes to optimise performance and scheduling has been part of operations for ages, but there are new projects underway to use AI and big data to take this further. The "Sky Breathe" project is one good example of this. This uses AI to analyse billions of data points from flight records to find ways to conserve fuel.  Real time flight situations (including factors such as weather, performance, and load) are then analysed and actionable changes suggested for pilots.

Airlines including Air France, Norwegian, Atlas, Cebu Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines are using this technology to some extent already. It is early days, but fuel consumption reduction of up to 5% is hoped for.

Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality

This is a big topic in the wider technology industry, and it is already finding its way into aviation. Anything that affects aircraft flying or other operations will take more time. However, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have other implications that are well underway, and we should see growth throughout 2023. For airlines, immediate uses are being found in crew training and safety.

Some of the biggest current possibilities for this are for passengers - both at the airport and onboard the aircraft. Several airports have adopted some form of AR to help manage passenger flow and experience at the airport. This can be linked to retail for promotions, and to airlines for gate and flight information. It is also being combined with Bluetooth-based beacon technology for passenger tracking and guiding. Onboard, we have seen trials of VR headsets with a few airlines. This has big potential to change the passenger experience.

 

Increased use of robotics in airports

This is a trend that has been underway for some time, and we are likely to see more of it in 2023. In fact, the post-pandemic labour shortages and industrial actions seen in many regions in 2022 will likely increase the industry's appetite to further invest in this.

There are applications in many areas here. Security and cleaning are two of the biggest, but there are also possibilities in customer service, automated baggage carts, and deliveries among other growing areas.

Continued development in alternate power sources

The focus on sustainability and changes in power sources will continue in 2023, with net-zero carbon commitments ever closer. This may be an area that advances slower but there could be some big development in 2023.

SAF use continues to increase, and 2023 should see a landmark first 100% SAF operated transatlantic flight from the UK (as part of a UK government and industry program). The longer-term prospects of electric and hydrogen technology will see further progress and innovation in 2023, but major use is still years away.

There are some major areas to watch during the year. ZeroAvia should begin flying its Dornier 228 aircraft equipped with a prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain, after it received certification in 2022. Rolls Royce first ground tested its AE 2100 turbofan engine in 2022 as part of a project to develop a fully hydrogen fuelled jet engine, and more is expected from this.

Final Thoughts

Developments and changes often take time in aviation - especially when it comes to aircraft - but there is plenty underway and expected in 2023. Technology changes continue to have a big effect on both airports and aircraft operators, with many applications to cut costs, improve efficiency, and create a better passenger experience.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics