Experts from Boeing, PhysicsX, and Cohere discussed AI’s disruptive potential and its role in unlocking $50 billion in sustainable aviation ventures over the next decade.
AI goes beyond the cockpit. Hugues Lavandier (McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense Practice) predicts AI will revolutionize pilot training, enhance real-time flight data, and optimize resource allocation by anticipating booking patterns. This means new skills will be needed for AI-powered design changes.
Sustainability took the center stage at the Air Show. The industry’s commitment to net-zero flying by 2050 was a key theme, with discussions on achieving this goal economically. Leaders from major airlines and airports participated including Boeing, Airbus, Lufthansa, Heathrow Airport, and BP Aero.
Approximately 25 airlines, representing over 30% of global air traffic, have already committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Science Based Target initiative.
“We need to keep up progress on developing sustainable aviation fuels and more efficient aircraft designs, while investing in novel propulsion systems.” Robin Riedel, partner and leader of McKinsey’s McKinsey Center for Future Mobility
Many companies have advanced from early stage mock-ups to more tangible prototypes and manufacturing facilities.
Despite the exciting prospects of innovation and technological leaps in the aerospace and aviation industry, there’s a critical shortage of skilled workers that threatens to stall progress and hinder the industry’s ability to capitalize on these advancements.
“We also have a lack of senior engineers in the pipeline, so we’re facing a talent deficit just as the industry is going through an upswing. We are feeling those shortages.” – Varun Marya (McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense Practice)
“When I speak to younger people who have joined the industry, they are very excited about trying to solve sustainability challenges,” noted Varun Marya
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