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AI Air Traffic Control Systems Tested in Some of the World’s Busiest Airspaces

Aviation authorities are seeking to reduce the number of accidents caused by human error.

An AI-based system is now being tested to assisted with directing air traffic at some of the busiest airports in the world, after a fatal plane crash in Washington, D.C., earlier this year prompted aviation authorities to seek ways to reduce human error and sidestep manpower shortages. At London’s Heathrow Airport, an AI system called Aimee scans runways with 360-degree cameras, detects potential collisions, and alerts controllers—or, in some cases, autonomously reroutes planes. Similar trials are running in Singapore, with proponents claiming AI could cut delays, ease staffing shortages, and prevent accidents caused by fatigue or oversight. But not everyone is on board. Critics warn that AI lacks human intuition for emergencies and could be vulnerable to hacking. “Automation is heralded as the solution, but it can actually make things worse,” John Leahy, a former chief pilot at British Airways, told Scientific American. “The suggestion that computers can perform ATC tasks better than humans is a dangerous path.” Experts have also warned that forcing pilots and controllers to become more reliant on technology can reduce their ability to make quick decisions.