siliconindia | | December 20198Atechnology-powered smarter era of flight is bringing changes to airlines and their customers. The commercial aviation in-dustry has faced numerous changes, in-cluding technological disruption. Even so, many major airlines are embracing AI, machine learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as ways to enhance customer experience, trim the budget, and ­ critically ­ re-main competitive. With the number of air travelers expected to double by 2037, it's incumbent on airlines to shift to a data-powered outlook as soon as possible. How are leading airlines using technology to meet passengers' needs? And what impact can AI and ML, as well as other data-based applications, have on airlines' internal operations?AI Onboard: Refining Customers' Airline ExperienceAI and its associated technologies offer a nearly endless list of ways to improve airlines' customer experience. These range from the mundane (self-service check-ins, user-friendly apps) to the exotic(in-flight virtual reality headsets providing 360-degree immersive entertainment). Below are a few of the tech-powered improvements passengers can enjoy:· In December 2018, Delta launched its first biometric ter-minal. This takes the familiar self-check-in kiosk to the next level, using facial recognition and the passenger's passport photo to speed people through the check-in pro-cess and reduce aircraft boarding times.· Airlines are also using AI and IoT sensors to optimize baggage handling. This includes creating faster routes for baggage trolleys and sending automatic updates to passen-gers and gate agents should luggage go missing. · The same beacon-based data can also be utilized to keep passengers informed about delays, wait times, and gate changes via mobile apps. United is adding another layer to the app experience by partnering with Amazon Alexa to deliver voice-based interactions to their customers, allow-ing travelers to stay in the know without lifting a finger (literally).· IoT data can also be combined with weather, airport, and navigation data to predict and minimize potential schedule problems. This reduces flight delays and helps control the stress and chaos associated with weather or maintenance events.· Travelers often struggle with navigating unfamiliar air-ports, finding transportation, and the rest of the after-flight experience. By collecting and analyzing various kinds of transportation and customer experience data, AI-enhanced apps can guide passengers to the baggage carousel, help HOW AI IS RESHAPING THE AVIATION INDUSTRYBy Richa Kapoor, Global Leader, Marketing & Communications & Sudeshna Datta, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, Absolutdata AnalyticsSudeshna has been associated with Absolutdata for over 18 years now, prior to which she had worked with Kraft Foods and Pfizer, and even founded Globedecor.Global go-to-market executive with 13 years' of well-rounded experience in growing technology businesses to market-leading position, Richa is responsible for year-round marketing calendar, digital campaigns, content creation, big events, public relations, CXO level communication. VIEW POINTRicha Kapoor, Global Leader, Marketing & Communications
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