How can AI make flying safer and more efficient?

One company uses AI to find an optimal flight route around risky areas, saving fuel and increasing safety

Spotted: Turbulence, responsible for a third of all weather-related aircraft accidents, has often been seen as a barrier to meeting climate goals in aviation. This is because some argue that, to reduce turbulence and increase safety, airlines must sacrifice being fuel efficient. 

However, Nabla Mobility claims there does not need to be a trade-off. The Japanese company is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to prove that safety and efficiency can work together simultaneously in the skies.  

The technology, called Untangled, creates a comprehensive plan to avoid turbulence while optimising fuel. To do this, the software offers turbulence prediction that accurately pinpoints and identifies various turbulence types. Additionally, it boasts an innovative feature known as altitude optimisation-based turbulence avoidance, enabling flights to steer clear of turbulence and save fuel. 

The model’s final feature accurately forecasts fuel usage to determine the most cost-effective flight path, crafting an optimised route. Nabla Mobility claims its Untangled solution can deliver four to five per cent more efficient fuel usage during the cruise phase without requiring any hardware modifications, irrespective of an aircraft’s age or the type of fuel it utilises. 

Established in 2022, this company is actively engaged in researching and developing its pioneering technology. Once launched, the software will be the first of its kind in the market. 

Springwise has previously spotted other innovations aimed at making the aviation industry more sustainable, from a platform to help create carbon-neutral aviation fuel to an aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen.

Written By: Georgia King