IATA: AI Promises to Improve Airline Efficiency, but Risks Remain

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said that artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have a positive overall impact on airline operations, though the industry is still exploring all opportunities and risks.

“When it comes to revenue management, essentially managing all aspects of an airline’s operations, AI will have an influence,” Walsh noted. “The question is whether that impact will be positive or negative — I think that remains under discussion. Personally, I believe it will be broadly positive for the industry.”

He added that airlines are at different stages of AI adoption: “Some view it as a matter of competitive advantage. By 2026, it will become much clearer exactly where AI will impact the industry.”

According to Walsh, key areas for AI implementation include enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and optimizing interactions with airports and aviation service providers (ASPs).

“This will make the aviation sector more efficient for all participants in the process,” he emphasized.