In recent years, the aviation industry has been undergoing a transformative journey, driven by technological advancements that promise to reshape the way we fly.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technological developments, there has been exponential growth in automated technologies, helping everyone to better understand the behaviour of multiple systems under different circumstances.
Utilising an array of tools such as integrated big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, cloud computing infrastructure, machine learning processes, and decision modelling tools, these technologies enable accurate decision-making based on comprehensive information.
Among these, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology have emerged as a game-changer, offering unprecedented insights and capabilities across various facets of aviation operations.
The digital twin technology revolves around the creation of a virtual replica or representation of a physical entity, process, or system.
It operates by assimilating real-time or historical data, which is then scrutinised through machine learning algorithms to conduct simulations across various scenarios.
Aviation focus
Within the aviation sector, the adoption of digital twin technology holds the promise of several advantages, including enhanced forecasting capabilities, diagnostic insights, fleet optimisation, streamlined lifecycle management, and overall performance enhancement.
To delve deeper into this fascinating realm, we had the privilege of speaking with Marios Sentris, Aviation Lead EMEA at Parsons, a prominent engineering and technology solutions provider, who sheds light on the evolving landscape of AI and digital twins within the Middle Eastern aviation sector.
In recent years, digital twin technology, coupled with AI, is revolutionising the aviation sector in multifaceted ways; as Sentris elucidates, the integration of AI and digital twins has already begun to manifest in tangible ways across the industry.
“There has been considerable progress with the use of AI and digital twin technology in the airline industry,” said Sentris, adding that manufacturers already use these technologies to simulate complex assembly models, receiving real-time information from sensors to predict errors which saves considerable time and cost.
Airlines are leveraging digital twin technology to help analyse specific aircraft performances, improving maintenance practices and optimising fuel consumption, while on the airport front, digital twin technology is proving to be essential in aggregating, analysing, and visualising the status of various infrastructure components that keep airports performing optimally.
As airports grapple with increasing traffic and operational complexities, the ability to simulate and predict various scenarios becomes paramount.
“When it comes to airports, machine learning, AI, and digital twin technologies are being integrated into new software platforms offered by the industry,” said Sentris, noting that while airports are looking at these solutions with great interest, their adoption has been slightly slower than expected, mainly due to legacy applications already in operation.
“Looking ahead, we expect AI and machine learning will be fully integrated into airport operation processes, from accurately predicting flight delays and preparing flight schedules to developing smart customer care centres with AI-enabled chatbots and virtual attendants,” he added.
Regional adaption
In the context of the Middle East region, the adoption of digital twin technology varies across different segments of the aviation industry – from the manufacturing process to the repair and maintenance of the pavement, runways and taxiways.
While aircraft manufacturers and maintenance service providers globally are leveraging real-time data from sensors to optimise production and repair processes, airports are slowly but steadily integrating these technologies into their operational frameworks.
Sentris noted that digital twin technology has not yet seen widespread adoption in the region’s airport industry, highlighting, “Specific use cases are emerging in the region, driven by the size of the airports under construction, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we expect a significant uptake in adopting transformative technologies in airport construction.”
Currently, AI and digital twins operate in several airports across the region, focusing on specific monitoring and simulation tools for asset optimisation or power/cooling management applications.
In particular, Sentris noted, AI-based applications are observed in the airfield area, notably in the repair and maintenance of pavement, runways, and taxiways, adding, “There are also use cases, especially in Saudi Arabia, involving implementing virtual towers instead of fully manned air traffic control.”
One of the most compelling aspects of digital twin technology lies in its capacity to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.
With burgeoning airport construction projects in the region, driven by initiatives like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, the potential for transformative technologies to revolutionise airport infrastructure is immense.
“The common denominator is that they [airports] all strive to offer a stress-free travel experience and optimise passenger traffic and capacity,” noted Sentris, emphasising how the digital twin and AI technology can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling airports to proactively identify and address operational challenges.
“Implementing sensors in airports and analysing generated data allows an AI-based system to forecast problems, detect potential threats, or identify possible causes for delays that are likely to occur and propose solutions to help airport operators avoid and overcome issues,” he added.
Furthermore, explaining the benefits of such technologies, Sentris highlighted that AI can elevate customer satisfaction by enhancing the overall customer experience while upholding stringent security measures, enhancing the overall experience for customers.
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Parsons X
Moreover, with a commitment to leveraging digital twins for every phase of the airport lifecycle, Parsons is at the forefront of shaping the future of aviation.
The company has developed a data-enabled solution, Parsons X- which it had deployed at one of the largest and busiest airports in the US – seamlessly capturing data from both airside and landside systems and providing a holistic, real-time view of critical components through a unified “single pane of glass” interface.
“The digital twin helped establish an up-to-date “smart campus” that is available 24/7 and integrated into various critical engineering technology, information technology, and operation technology systems for planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of facilities and civil infrastructure,” said Sentris, adding that Parsons ha tailored the solution to add significant value to every phase of the airport lifecycle through three key functionalities: “data ingestion and aggregation, advanced analytics, real-time visualisation and monitoring that enable airport operators to take action.”
Future prospects
Looking ahead, the future of aviation in the Middle East is poised for further transformation, propelled by emerging trends and technological advancements.
Sentris envisions fully digital airports, seamlessly integrated with mobile platforms and equipped with advanced AI capabilities.
“With the emergence of smart airports, there are opportunities for fully automated and digital passenger processes from curb-to-gate, including identification, border control, check-in, boarding, and the shopping experience with the integration of m-commerce platforms,” he noted.
Furthermore, he emphasised there’s a vast potential for enhancing airport customer management through advanced virtual assistants, empowered by AI and large language model (LLM) technologies, capable of providing pertinent information and making informed decisions.
“Autonomous flight studies are being conducted regionally, especially in Dubai, and we expect broader adoption in the coming years once regulators gain sufficient confidence from the industry,” he added.
In conclusion, the increasing role of digital twin technology in the aviation sector heralds a new era of innovation and efficiency.
As the Middle East continues to embrace transformative technologies, the potential for digital twin and AI technologies to revolutionise airport operations and enhance the passenger experience is boundless.
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