Passenger planes in the future might have AI pilots, says Emirates airline president Tim Clark
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Passenger jets may have AI pilots in the future, says Tim Clark, Emirates president
Passenger jets with AI co-pilots could fly travelers to their destinations in the future, says Tim Clark, president of the airline Emirates.
He told CNBC: ‘You might see a plane with one pilot. Can the aircraft be flown fully automated? Yes you could, technology is there now.
‘[But passengers] like to think there are two pilots up there. I think there will always be someone in the cockpit.”
His comments come as the debate rages on how far and fast AI technology should be developed.
Joji Waites, head of flight safety at pilots’ union Balpa, underlined how much input a pilot has in the cockpit, writing in a blog: ‘The skilled pilot is part of a complex safety system that mitigates risk and keeps passengers safe.
Passenger jets with AI co-pilots could fly travelers to their destinations in future, says Tim Clark, president of airline Emirates
“Pilots are much more than just pilots – they are skilled professionals who are part of a vital safety system that ensures passengers, crew and cargo arrive safely at their destination.
“As pressure mounts from some parts of the industry for operations with further crew reductions – eventually leading to fully autonomous operations – the recognition of these skills and the safety added value of a multi-crew cockpit is more important than ever. . ‘
He explained that pilots should be navigators, engineers, technicians, weather experts and customer service managers.
He added: “On a typical day, pilots deal with other flight attendants, ground crew, cabin crew, air traffic control and passengers to name a few. A pilot must be able to communicate well, not only in aviation terms (for example, using the radio to talk to ATC), but also on an interpersonal level.
Tim Clark, pictured, told CNBC, “You might see a single-pilot plane. Can the aircraft be flown fully automated? Yes, you could, technology is there now’
“For starters, pilots fly with so many different crews that they need to be able to bond easily with other flight and cabin crew. They must be able to clearly exchange information with people they have not met before. A pilot must also pass on information to passengers.
‘A captain is not only responsible for his passengers, but also has final responsibility for all crew members on board.
“Understanding their needs, flight time restrictions, rest requirements, industry agreements and supporting them in their dealings with passengers is an essential part of the job.”