Like many other industries, aviation is experiencing a technological revolution. That is seen from the ongoing trends that you will find in airports and other aviation fields. Each hi-tech advancement made is intended to streamline the aviation industry and change the overall operation of the sector. To clarify, here is a list of technological trends currently shaping the aviation industry.

Introduction of Blockchain in Aviation

The future of blockchain is predetermined, which is why sectors such as aviation are already incorporating it in their operations. According to key aviation stakeholders, the industry is expected to use blockchain to improve record keeping. Also, aviation is currently relying on blockchain for data security. Those are just a few advantages of blockchain in aviation. Currently, the industry is taking strides to make sure the trend is completely embedded in aviation operations for the seamless functionality of the industry and its subsidiaries.

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Aviation and Online Sportsbooks

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it comes as no surprise that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have found their place in the aviation industry. These innovative technologies offer a myriad of applications that benefit both passengers and companies alike.
Augmented reality, for instance, is being seamlessly integrated into air traffic control systems to enhance the safety protocols on airport runways. Similarly, online sportsbooks have embraced augmented reality features to provide sports enthusiasts with immersive experiences, ensuring a safe and secure platform for their betting activities.

Conversely, virtual reality has become an invaluable tool for pilots, offering them realistic aircraft simulations that aid in honing their skills and understanding of airplane control mechanisms. Just as pilots benefit from VR simulations, sports betting enthusiasts can immerse themselves in virtual environments where they can analyze statistics, follow live events, and place bets on their favorite sports, including exploring the best online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania.

Moreover, passengers are leveraging VR technology to effortlessly navigate through intricate airport layouts, streamlining their travel experiences. Similarly, online sportsbooks employ virtual reality environments to enhance the betting experience, allowing users to visualize sporting events and make informed decisions from the comfort of their homes. This seamless integration of technology enhances the operational efficiency of various sectors within the aviation industry and the online sports betting realm alike.

Artificial Intelligence

A.I. is one of the main technologies being used in aviation, and its input is proving to be overly helpful. At the moment, airports are using A.I. tools to read passport details and fill out fliers. Moreover, other airports are using digital assistance made using artificial intelligence to ensure the smooth functionality of some airport areas. Overall, artificial intelligence is meant to facilitate data entry, data collection, and information management while minimizing errors. Researchers are also making in-depth analyses to find out other areas that A.I. can be beneficial.

Biometrics

In a move to completely transform the passenger experience, the aviation industry is using biometrics in nearly every touchpoint. Not only is the technology being deployed to ensure airport security but also to guarantee passenger health. Moreover, biometrics are being applied for data collection. The information is then compared to data on a larger database for certainty. So far, Delta was among the first airports to incorporate biometric systems at different checkpoints and touchpoints of the airport. Since then, the number of airports using biometrics technology has risen significantly.

Beacons Tech

It has always been hard for airport authorities and staff to man the facilities and knows the location of different passengers. Thanks to beacon technology, that will no longer be a problem. That is because the technology helps airport staff and attendants know passengers’ exact location while travelling from one terminal to the next. It hence becomes easy for airport management to send passengers specific information. For instance, customers can receive guidance regarding the nearest eateries at the airport and the boarding gate numbers. As a result, customer experience is amplified, and so is the operation efficiency of the airport. Miami airport already has beacons placed at different areas of the facility. The staff is already using the technology to increase passenger experience. More airports are expected to implement the same in the next few years.

Big Data

Big data is one of the most implemented technologies in aviation. Airports are currently using big data to collect and analyze passenger habits. After that, the information assembled is used to provide their consumers with customized offers. So far, United Airlines is already using big data technology, and that has seen the airport increase its revenues by 15%. That is because, after a keen analysis of information, perfect products are formulated. It thus becomes nearly impossible for customers to pass the offers. Also, airports are using big data with predictive analysis to provide customers with exactly what they require. Airports understand that the more information is collected, the better the customization. That is why they continue to collect customer information.

Those are just a few technological trends currently being used by the aviation industry to ensure customer satisfaction. Other trends include IoT application, the use of mobile solutions, and the introduction of wearables. The incorporation of the listed technologies is supposed to increase efficiency in different sectors of the aviation industry.

In 1903, the first gasoline-powered aircraft was created and flown by the Orville brothers. Years later, the aviation industry saw the introduction of commercial airlines and other aviation sectors. Little did the world know that the aviation industry would be one of the main causes of climate change and the depletion of natural resources. In 2019 alone, all flights worldwide emitted 915 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the environment. At the moment, aviation contributes 2.5% of the global CO2 emissions, which is quite a significant number. After much deliberation on maintaining aviation while reducing the carbon footprint, the idea of sustainable aviation fuel was born.

What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF?

Sustainable Aviation fuel or bio-jet-fuel is one of the best alternatives of jet fuel that can effectively power aircraft while significantly reducing the carbon footprint. According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF is the future of aviation. However, due to the expensiveness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, airline companies are mixing bio-jet fuel with conventional jet fuel to minimise environmental impact while maintaining operation cost. The blend of bio-jet fuel and conventional jet fuel is referred to as drop-in fuel. In 2008, the first blend got used to power a Virgin Atlantic aircraft. Since then, the aviation industry has seen a drastic increase in flights using drop-in fuel.

In fact, in December 2011, eight companies were awarded $7.7 million by the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA to develop drop-in fuel. The companies were to focus on organic matters, sugars, alcohols, and biomass as feedstock. After a successful campaign, the aviation industry used 0.1% SAF in 2019, with five airports having regular biofuel supply. The same year, Virgin Atlantic flights covered 1 million kilometres and above with bio-jet-fuel. Virgin Atlantic’s aviation biofuel was supplied by Gevo, a company that produces alcohol-to-jet fuel.

Is SAF The Future of Aviation?

According to research and analysis, sustainable aviation fuel or aviation biofuel is the future of air travel. That’s because SAF can reduce the aviation carbon footprint by a whopping 80% of the fuel’s lifecycle. However, the percentage depends on the feedstocks being used to produce the biofuel. Furthermore, bio-jet-fuel can help increase the lifespan of older aircraft, thus reducing such aeroplanes’ replacement and maintenance costs. That is why nearly all airlines are coming up with ways
to accommodate bio-jet-fuel.

Despite the high prices of SAF, the fuel seems to have captured the attention of different aviation companies. That is because for an aeroplane to use bio-jet fuel, it does not need to undergo any structural, technical, or operational changes. As a result, so long as the fuel is certified, it can be fed to planes and used to efficiently power engines. To further prove the future of sustainable aviation fuel, IATA aims at halving the net CO2 emissions by 2050.

Why Is SAF Marketed as Sustainable?

So many names can get used in place of SAF. However, IATA insists on using the name sustainable aviation fuel. That is a way of making sure companies producing SAF are using the correct production processes and methods. For the fuel to be sustainable, a company must refrain from using techniques that deplete natural resources such as forests and rivers. Such processes may end up causing environmental disasters such as water pollution and deforestation. The certified SAF is produced using feedstocks such as solid biomass, oil extracted from algae, jatropha, and tallows, among other plant sources. That is why before any aviation biofuel is distributed for private and commercial use, it must be certified. The bio-jet-fuel must adhere to different regulations, but the main advantage is that such companies qualify to be exempted from obligations associated with carbon compliance.

Despite multiple hurdles, the use of sustainable aviation fuel continues to grow drastically. That is because different aviation sectors believe bio-jet-fuel will help protect the environment and increase the efficiency of aviation operations. But then, the parties involved are stringent to make sure only sustainable feedstocks are used to create bio-jet-fuel. That is to avoid CO2 emissions while creating other environmental problems. Since the launch of sustainable aviation fuel, many companies like Neste have taken on producing certified SAF. As a result, its production rate has been increasing every year.
Thanks to Neste and other SAF producing companies, future projections show that SAF production will grow to 75 billion litres by 2040. However, the price of bio-jet-fuel is still proving to be the biggest hindrance to the growth of SAF. But then, research is underway to help increase the production of sustainable aviation fuel while reducing the cost to make it affordable compared to conventional jet fuel. After all, SAF is the only option the aviation industry has to go green.

Everyone knows flying is the safest mode of transport. That is because, unlike vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles, the odds of a plane crashing are one in 1.2 million. However, what most people don’t know is that pilots play a massive role in determining the fate of a plane: That is in case a problem arises while the aircraft is 31000 feet above the ground. It explains why before any pilot gets into the cockpit, they must undergo rigorous training. Also, after they qualify for a shift, they must go through flight data analysis, medical check, aircraft check, and briefing. These steps must precede regardless of the circumstances. That is why most people say the pilot’s shift starts way before the cockpit.

However, even with all the pre-flight preparation, a pilot’s attitude plays a massive role in case of a malfunction while mid-air. Therefore, a good pilot must have the best aeronautical decision-making skills to perform well in high-stress situations. Furthermore, they need to have the best overall attitude. In fact, any pilot with any of the following attitudes is considered unfit to fly.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity is an attitude that often leads to pilots taking unnecessary risks. That is because it entails the urge to do something without thinking about the outcome. Such pilots usually don’t consider alternative options, which usually makes them very dangerous in the cockpit. A skilled pilot must analyze the situation and align an array of viable solutions before taking the step with the best outcome. According to the FAA, impulsive pilots with their ‘do it quickly’ mindset can easily cause a
dangerous outcome.

Anti-Authority

Another attitude highly discouraged in aviation is anti-authority. There are two ways to describe the attitude. First, it entails a pilot who does not take advice from anyone even if they make the wrong decisions. In most cases, such pilots may ignore a lifesaving suggestion and end up causing a plane crash. Another scenario that is considered a subtler form of anti-authority behaviour is when a pilot doesn’t feel the need to follow a set of guidelines or procedures. As a result, they end up skipping checklists and ignoring other crucial rules. The worst part about being anti-authority is that a pilot is likely to cause a problem that was not there in the first place.

The Macho

A pilot is encouraged to be confident in whatever steps they take. However, overconfidence might lead to macho. Unlike other attitudes, a pilot with a macho attitude can easily cause a plane crash in the process of trying to impress a crew member. Another instance where macho can be destructive is when a pilot becomes too overconfident that they underestimate an emergency. That is why a pilot needs to always balance their confidence to make a rational decision in case of a problem.

Invulnerability

Every pilot is vulnerable, and so they are always urged to be on high alert at all times. However, when a pilot is invulnerable, they believe they are above certain situations or challenges. As a result, they are likely to make decisions that might risk the lives of crew members and passengers. That is why the FAA is always keen to bench pilots with the attitude of invulnerability. That is because pilots who believe they are immune to particular situations tend to be unreliable in life or death situations. Therefore, even with the rigorous training, every pilot should be vigilant and well prepared. Furthermore, they should look forward to dealing with the worst. That way, in case of a problem, the pilot becomes an asset and not a liability.

Resignation

Resignation is a destructive attitude that has led to a long list of pilot suicides. That is because once a pilot resigns, it means they believe the situation is above their control. Such a scenario can lead to devastating occurrences even if there was a swift way to handle the problem and minimize the impact. Furthermore, pilots who resign easily tend to believe in fate and not because their actions might help in a dangerous situation. On the other hand, a pilot who doesn’t have a resignation attitude will try all possible ways to solve a particular situation. Nothing will stop them from coming up with a viable solution.

Each of those attitudes has seen so many pilots make poor decisions throughout their careers. That is why the FAA condemns them. On the contrary, pilots should be confident and determined to achieve the best outcome in any situation. Furthermore, they must be aware of their environment and have the general know-how to steer an aircraft from a dangerous situation without making it worse.