Emirates President Tim Clark told CNBC's Hadley Gamble earlier this month that the aviation industry is gradually adopting artificial intelligence (AI), which could potentially lead to the operation of planes with only one pilot.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, speaks during a press conference at the National Press Club June 30, 2015 in Washington, DC. Clark addressed accusations by Delta Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines that Emirates Airline is subsidized by the UAE government.
Will AI-Controlled Airplanes Become Completely Pilotless?
In the interview, Clark also mentioned that the realization of this concept might take some time and might not necessarily align with passengers' preferences, as passengers generally prefer the idea of having two pilots on board.
But he emphasized the need for the aviation sector to carefully consider the potential impact of the advancing capabilities of AI by embracing and utilizing it rather than being afraid of it.
Clark stated that there are many concerns surrounding the roles and boundaries of AI. However, for business owners who encounter such a powerful force as AI, which can significantly enhance processes and reduce manpower, it is essential to carefully consider its potential to improve operations.
Regarding the possibility of fully pilotless planes, Clark acknowledged its feasibility but noted that it is a distant prospect, expressing his belief that it will not occur within his lifetime.
He explained that while it is technologically possible for aircraft to be flown entirely through automation, with the current state of technology, he believes that there will always be a presence of someone on the flight deck.
CNBC previously reported about a few startups focused on developing pilotless planes for future applications. But the market for autonomous aircraft is in its early stages, and it might still be a long way for fully-automated aircraft to become possible.
A Pilot's Role in Airplanes
In a blog post, Joji Waites, head of flight safety at the pilots' union Balpa, emphasized the significant role of pilots in the cockpit, stating that they are integral to a complex safety system that mitigates risks and ensures passenger safety.
Waites highlighted that pilots are more than mere operators of the aircraft; they are skilled professionals who play a crucial part in a safety system that safeguards the well-being of passengers, crew, and cargo throughout their journey.
As the industry faces pressure to reduce crew numbers, possibly leading to fully autonomous operations in the future, Waites stressed the importance of recognizing the skills possessed by pilots and the safety benefits derived from having a multi-crew cockpit.
He explained that pilots need to possess a diverse range of competencies, serving as navigators, engineers, technicians, weather experts, and customer service managers.
In their daily duties, pilots interact with various individuals, such as aircrew, ground crew, cabin crew, air traffic control, and passengers. Effective communication skills are vital, not only in aviation jargon when speaking to air traffic control but also on a personal level when collaborating with different crew members and conveying information to passengers.
In addition to their responsibility for the safety of passengers, captains bear ultimate responsibility for the entire crew on board. Understanding the needs of the crew, complying with flight time limitations, ensuring adequate rest, managing labor agreements, and providing support during interactions with passengers are all crucial aspects of the pilot's role.
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