AI in the Skies

AI at the core of operations 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data are powering nearly every area of Airbus, particularly through the DDMS (Digital Design, Manufacturing & Services) program - a cross-functional approach that digitizes the entire aircraft lifecycle.

With AI, engineers can model and simulate aircraft configurations at unprecedented speed. Algorithms optimize the design of wings, engines, and cabins, finding the best trade-offs between performance, weight, and fuel efficiency.

Digital twins combined with AI simulate aircraft and system behavior under real-world conditions, refining designs while reducing the need for physical prototypes.

In its factories, Airbus uses computer vision and machine learning to automate quality control and optimize assembly lines. Cameras and sensors analyze components in real time, detecting flaws that are invisible to the human eye.

For maintenance, AI tools process flight and inspection data to detect anomalies early. The Flight Hour Services (FHS) solution anticipates maintenance needs and streamlines spare parts management - enabling airlines and fleet operators to reduce costs and minimize aircraft downtime.

Real-time flight data analysis also enables rapid risk detection, such as severe turbulence, to alert pilots proactively.

Airbus is also exploring autonomous flight with the ATTOL (Autonomous Taxi, Takeoff and Landing) project. Thanks to advanced algorithms, aircraft can maneuver without human input - aiming to boost safety, optimize airport traffic flow, and reduce pilot workload during critical flight phases.

Skywise: collaborative data at scale 

Launched in 2017, Skywise has become the digital backbone of Airbus. This platform collects and analyzes massive amounts of data from aircraft, operators, factories, and maintenance teams.

It provides airlines, manufacturers, and service providers with valuable insights in order to optimize daily operations: route planning, fuel consumption reduction, crew scheduling, and predictive maintenance.

In collaboration with partners such as Delta TechOps and GE Digital, Airbus has developed more than 200 predictive algorithms covering hundreds of components. According to a recent study, AI-based predictive maintenance can reduce maintenance costs by 12–18 % and decrease downtime by 15–20 %, thus significantly improving aircraft availability.

With over 48,000 users and nearly 12,000 connected aircraft, Skywise represents a new era of collaboration in the aerospace industry - where data sharing accelerates innovation.

Cautious approach to Generative AI 

Airbus is actively exploring generative AI to transform its industrial processes. The Group is considering the deployment of conversational assistants to support operators on production lines and is collaborating with Safran on predictive maintenance through the GenAir program.

However, some applications - such as aircraft design - are currently ruled out due to their complexity. Airbus is taking a cautious approach: integrating generative AI gradually and responsibly, with rigorous evaluation of the reliability and relevance of its outputs. 

Airbus is harnessing the full potential of AI to drive deep transformation - from aircraft design to its business model.