How to improve aviation software development in 2024

The aviation industry is always on the lookout for innovation and is known for investing heavily in R&D.

While the sector took a big hit during the pandemic, air passenger numbers have been climbing steadily and are expected to finally bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). This makes staying ahead of the curve especially important for anyone in the aviation industry this year.

Read this article to find out how you can handle the increase in demand in what other challenges you might expect during 2024.

Overview of aviation software

Aviation software delivers solutions specifically developed for the aviation industry and has to be compliant with legally mandated safety and reliability concerns in avionics. There’s a variety of applications designed to help with flight operations, traffic management, pilot training, and many other aspects of the industry. 

Benefits of aviation software development

Aviation software helps you streamline operations, optimize resource usage, and cut down on costs and time spent on manual tasks, while improving safety.

Improved safety

Efforts to improve safety through aviation software will focus on three main areas in 2024 – preventable accidents, unique operational concerns, and mitigation strategies. These focus areas are the results of expert analysis of accident data, policy, and how safety concerns have been handled in the industry so far.

Not every accident is preventable, but it’s important to study past industry mistakes to see what if anything can be improved. The leading cause for fatal accidents remains loss of control inflight and will be a top priority in safety improvements.

Runway accidents are also frequent and a cause of public concern. The issue can be addressed through using accurate runway condition data and better communication with air traffic control.

Accidents leading to loss of life are prioritized above all, but the majority of aircraft damage happens on the ground and results in flight cancellation and delays. Enhanced training and procedures, and the use of safety management systems are recommended to prevent avoidable accidents.

Enhanced efficiency

The increased demand necessitates streamlined passenger processes and we’ve already seen great strides made in 2023 with the application of new smart passenger management systems.

Leveraging AI advancements will be crucial in the upcoming year, helping manage fluctuations in passenger traffic, flight schedules, staff availability, and more. Generative AI is strongest in the area of data analysis which is crucial in a dynamic field such as aviation, where there’s a constant flow of information from multiple sources and decisions need to be made quickly and accurately.

Better passenger experience

Post-pandemic passengers are coming back with increased demands. Passengers’ main concerns are centered around them moving quickly and easily through airports, which has been facilitated through the integration of biometric technology in 2023.

Personalizing passengers’ experience is front and center in 2024. From tailored in-flight entertainment options, to offers targeted to specific customer patterns – more and more opportunities for improved service are coming up through data analysis. 

5 ways to improve aviation software development in 2024

Flyers’ changing needs and expectations, alongside technological advancements make the aviation sector dynamic and competitive. Here’s 5 ways aviation software development can be improved in 2024.

Optimize maintenance via AI

Advanced sensors can now be used to help predict when aircraft components need to be inspected. Supplemented by AI, these sensors can identify potential issues ahead of time, optimizing maintenance schedules and minimizing downtime. 

Personalize the customer experience

One of the biggest trends in business today is increasing customer expectations for personalized service. From helping passengers book more efficient routes when problems arise to ensuring staff are aware of unique needs a customer may have, aviation software can ensure you’re meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

ADS-C EPP systems

With atmospheric weather conditions constantly changing, it’s important for aviation software to incorporate new data and update flight routes to ensure they remain optimal both for passenger comfort and economic considerations like fuel consumption. 

Optimize flight schedules via AI

From the dawn of the aviation industry itself, one of its greatest challenges has been optimizing flight schedules to maximize the usage of assets like planes and staff. However, the growing size of the industry has only increased the complexity of that challenge. 

This is why AI is being used to analyze vast quantities of data from weather to maintenance schedules in order to find the best flight schedules for both your bottom line and the experience of your customers.

Importance of cloud-based systems

All of these functionalities need to be accessible to have a full impact. That requires cloud-based systems that are accessible worldwide and can be resilient to outages and other technical challenges. Ensuring your aviation software is robust enough to handle even worldwide complications is vital to ensuring it’s able to operate no matter what gets thrown at it.