The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating a two-pronged approach to enabling the aerospace sector’s use of AI.

The strategy sets out the measures that will guide the regulation of AI within the UK’s aerospace sector and how it can help advance innovation while protecting people, with Tim Johnson, Director of Strategy and Policy at the UK CAA saying that the aerospace sector is no exception to others that are harnessing the use of AI.

To ensure AI is safely adopted, Johnson said “we must ensure the benefits can be realised whilst maintaining the levels of safety and consumer protection that the public rightly expect.”

Benefits he said could include changes in how skies are controlled using real-time data and predictive modelling to boost efficiency and effectiveness of air traffic control. Subsequently, airports will also see fewer delays with air traffic control, while AI assisted flying that analyses real-time data will  make routes quicker and more efficient using weather data and flying conditions.

The CAA also highlighted that as AI technologies advance, issues will arise that need to be assured including safety, trust and reliability. The appropriate regulatory oversight will be critical to ally these concerns.

The regulator is working with organisations in the aerospace sector to identify emerging AI technologies and models, as it acknowledges that engagement and collaboration with the sector and passengers is essential to maintain the highest levels of safety and security .

Image: UK CAA

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