INDUSTRY WATCH
EDA makes real-time choreography possible. It helps optimise everything from staffing and security queues to refuelling and maintenance scheduling. More importantly, it liberates data for third-party partner services, such as taxi companies or car hire firms, to respond to airport activity as it happens.
Together, AI and EDA bring agility
The synergy between AI and EDA is what makes them so powerful. AI systems generate insights; EDA ensures those insights are acted upon in real time.
Take the example of carry-on luggage monitoring. AI-enabled computer vision can detect when overhead bin space is likely to run out. Currently, that insight triggers an instant notification to gate staff, who can begin checking in additional bags before passengers board. Imagine if that could update passengers via their mobile devices during the boarding process rather than waiting for gate staff to make an announcement. It’ s a small intervention, but one that prevents delays and improves satisfaction across the board.
Airlines also benefit from EDA in more strategic ways. Real-time fuel management data reduces emissions. Dynamic updates on passenger flow allow for smarter crew assignments. Even in-flight services, like meal counts and entertainment preferences, can be adjusted on-the-fly to reflect the latest data.
without obstacles. Many aviation systems are safetycritical and deeply embedded. Legacy integration remains a major challenge for CIOs.
To succeed, IT leaders need to architect hybrid models, ones that embrace modern tools like EDA and AI without compromising legacy systems still essential to safety and compliance. This requires observability, governance, and strong data lineage practices to avoid losing control of increasingly decentralised digital ecosystems.
It also requires cultural alignment. Virgin Atlantic’ s approach, putting AI champions in key departments, is one way of bridging the people gap in transformation programmes. Technology adoption isn’ t just about capability; it’ s about culture.
A defining moment for aviation CIOs
The first quarter of 2025 feels like a test. The real challenge will come during the peak summer season. Can airlines sustain this new digital resilience under pressure – CIOs now sit at the centre of that question. Those who lead with an intelligent, real-time strategy, combining predictive AI with a responsive event-driven integration platform, will not only weather the next surge – they will redefine what operational excellence looks like in aviation.
The challenge: bridging legacy with agility
Of course, the adoption of these technologies isn’ t
For an industry long defined by legacy systems and slow change, this is the moment to act decisively. Passengers aren’ t just flying again, they’ re expecting more. And with the right architecture and mindset, aviation can finally deliver. p
62 INTELLIGENTCIO LATAM www. intelligentcio. com