Jainita Hogervorst, director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy, a company specializing in aviation recruitment and document management, explores the role of technology in reshaping jobs in the sector, and looks at the skills and training needed for professionals to keep up to date.
Data analysis: the basis of digital changes
Digital technology is gradually becoming the backbone of the aviation industry, making operations smoother, safer and more efficient. IATA defines digital transformation as “the creation of value by deconstructing legacy processes and rebuilding these processes by leveraging digital assets.” Today, from the moment a passenger books a ticket online to the moment he disembarks his flight, digital tools are at play. Transformations are taking place in various aspects of aviation, which has a profound impact on jobs. "One of the biggest trends in aviation is the use of data analytics. Airlines are collecting vast amounts of data on everything from flight performance to passenger preferences. With new technologies like artificial intelligence and learning Emerging quickly, this data helps optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption and improve the passenger experience. "Aviation professionals must understand how to interpret and leverage this data effectively," explains Hogervorst.
To adapt to the digital advancements sweeping the aviation industry, aviation professionals must first and foremost become digitally literate and learn how to analyze and derive insights from data. "Aviation professionals must be comfortable navigating digital systems, understanding basic programming concepts, and using software tools relevant to their roles. With the influx of data in aviation, understanding data analysis tools and techniques is crucial. People who work in a company must be open to learning and adapting to new technologies as they emerge,” says the director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy.
The impact of automation on aviation and its jobs
Data is the main catalyst for automation, streamlining many aspects of aviation, from airport check-in kiosks to cockpit autopilot systems and air traffic management. It has been deeply integrated, improving efficiency, safety and the overall passenger experience. These advances are not limited to a single area, but have permeated all aspects of the industry, from pre-flight preparations to in-flight operations and post-flight maintenance.
According to the Air Transport Organization HERMES report, automation helps the industry make smarter use of assets, optimize the efficiency of all processes and develop a better understanding of business, routes, costs and improvement opportunities. For example, American Airlines reduced a laborious four-hour gate assignment process, which previously required a team of people to work late into the night to assign flights to gates and account for the day's cancellations, to a 2.5 minutes using AI. This freed up their team members while providing an improved experience for their customers.
However, while automation improves efficiency, aviation professionals must learn to work alongside these technologies and handle situations where they require manual intervention. The director of Aerviva Aviation Consultancy explains: "As more tasks are automated, the roles of aviation professionals are evolving. For example, flight crews now spend less time manually controlling the aircraft and more time monitoring the systems, make strategic decisions, and ensure passenger safety and comfort. This change requires them to adapt to new responsibilities and become proficient in using automation tools. Additionally, automation can cause certain skills to be used less frequently, such as manual piloting skills. However, aviation professionals must remain proficient in these skills to handle exceptional situations, such as system failures or emergencies that require manual intervention."
What is it like to work together with digitalization?
According to Airport Council International (ACI), business intelligence solutions are at the forefront of airport IT investment priorities, with 93% or more planning business intelligence initiatives for asset management and flight operations to 2025. However, while digital transformation improves efficiency and safety, aviation professionals play a crucial role in this automated landscape by working alongside these technologies, monitoring their performance and being prepared to intervene when necessary. Their adaptability, training and experience are essential to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
As the Air Transport Organization HERMES report shows, digital transformation requires a new set of skills compared to those required for legacy systems. Automated technologies will partially or totally replace some repetitive jobs. Digital transformation will lead to a reduction in low-skilled, process-based physical and administrative jobs. On the other hand, such technologies will not replace critical positions that involve immediate decision-making that requires human logic, experience and common sense.
According to Deloitte’s 2023 Airline Tech Trends, “Airline challenges may require new skill sets, but much of the current workforce appears to be retiring. Airlines could bolster their deliveries by reimagining their sourcing and workforce makeup. Focus on technological knowledge and skills that can be clear competitive differentiators.”
"Ensuring aviation workers are well trained can be the cornerstone of the pursuit of aviation safety. In the digital age, staying up-to-date with technology is not only beneficial; it is essential for aviation professionals. Those who embrace and adapt to digital transformation will be better equipped to excel in their careers and contribute to the growth of the industry," says Hogervorst.
Source: AERVIVA.