Big data in the aviation industry has become a topic at the center of discussions in the recent years. The aerospace industry faces important issues regarding the environment. Big data is one of the solutions that helps decrease CO2 consumption in the industry. This is why we have seen the rise of startups dealing with big data and airlines that have started to implement big data in their operations.
Aircraft operations can cost a lot for an airliner. Indeed, if an aircraft has an engine failure or the replacement of a wheel is recquired during a transit. The airline has to ground the aircraft. A grounded plane costs a lot for an airline. This is where big data comes into play. Big data enables preventive maintenance. In fact, the airline can be informed a few days in advance that a specific part is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is possible through the collection and analysis of data from aircraft sensors. This data can be used to identify potential issues before they become a problem. Companies, such as General Electric, are developing this type of software. In France, a startup called Safety Line has emerged in developping advance software specialize in using big data analytics to improve flight safety and efficiency.
Another significant application of big data in the aviation industry is to minimize fuel consumption. More airlines are embracing innovative methods to educate their pilots in the use of eco-piloting systems. Since 2015, Transavia has been at the forefront of utilizing eco-piloting systems, thanks to OpenAirlines, a provider of eco-piloting solutions. OpenAirlines informs the pilot of how effectively they have followed the recommended eco-piloting procedures. For example the pilots know they’ve been good at 80 percent, encouraging everyone to reach better performance. OpenAirlines has prevented the emission of 400 thousand tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. To reduce fuel consumption, pilots are instructed to taxi using only one engine and to perform continuous climbs and glides.
There are startups such as UpNext that are using big data to develop artificial intelligence solutions to assist pilots during flights. UpNext, for example, is developing technologies to facilitate automatic guidance during taxiing, and enabling automatic landing if both pilots are unable to pilot the aircraft. By leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning, UpNext aims to improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload. I will write an article on UpNext with more details on the specific projects they are working on.
