AI & Big Data

In this digital age, beyond providing us with information, data is valuable and can be very profitable when used analytically. Thales is drawing on its renowned big data capabilities to maximize the business potential of data collection and analytics for the benefits of the aviation industry at large, from the passenger experience to maintenance procedure and optimized environmental footprint.

In terms of maintenance, the use of data in aviation from embedded systems is leading to a shift from a corrective approach to a predictive approach to carrier maintenance. Predictive analytics with big data in aviation make it possible to anticipate wear and tear on mechanical and - to a lesser extent - electronic parts. The processing of this data offers new perspectives in terms of optimizing maintenance costs. With the growth ans renewal of air fleets, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) market can also rely on data to better manage its supply chain. In addition, aircraft maintenance centres will be able to offer better customer service by ensuring the availability of the necessary parts in real time. 

As for the environmental footprint in aviation, flight paths can be optimized by using data to modify routes in real time to accommodate storms and other disruptions. In addition to substantial fuel savings, it is now possible, thanks to data, to reduce the environmental impact : civil aviation generates 2% of global CO² emissions, particularly because of the time spent over airports, while waiting for permission to land. 

Big Data analytics is significantly changing the outlook for the aviation industry, economically, strategically and operationnally. Data can help airports and airlines being more efficient. The emergence of this "digital black gold" is pushing us to rethink the management of our organizations, to review the business models on which their economy viability is based on. All the more so when we realize the value of the data goes hand-in-hand with artificial intelligence that makes it possible to exploit it.

For instance, as regards the onboard passenger experience, the added value provided by an enriched and personalized customer experience is a major commercial challenge, particularly in terms of customer loyalty for airlines. Today, connectivity and access to personalized multimedia content are dominant criteria for passengers. The Thales Inflyt 360 solution analyses passenger data to create profiles and offers each user increasingly personalized content and recommendations based on their age, interests and even destination. Airlines can thus better identify their customers, and offer them a more qualitative service and enhanced flight comfort.