Why the aviation industry is facing 'turbulence' in adopting AI?

Abstract

The aviation industry has been at the forefront of technological excellence for decades. From leading the development of GPS, radars, and composite materials to the early adoption of semiconductor technology, the industry has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. However, it has been exceptionally cautious in adopting artificial intelligence, arguably one of the most disruptive technologies of the 21st century, and with good reason. The aviation industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world. Building and operating an airplane involves integrating highly complicated components, systems, and processes which are rigorously tested to meet the safety standards set by the regulations. The safety of the passengers is of paramount importance in air travel, and this has been vigorously enforced for decades, making air travel the safest mode of transport (the probability of a car accident is more than 1000 times that of an airplane).