Artificial Intelligence : news horizons for the aerospace sector

In this thesis, consisting of a literature review and a field analysis, we focus our research on the value
added (VA) of artificial intelligence (AI) in the aerospace sector, and in particular in the value chain of
aircraft manufacturers. Following a qualitative analysis method, we conducted thirteen individual
interviews with AI experts and professionals from the aerospace sector. This approach enabled us to
identify opportunities for the development of AI in the short term.
A number of VA emerged from this study, including: predictive maintenance, optimisation of the
production phase, optimisation of aircraft fuel consumption on on-board systems and support for HR
activities.
The results obtained from the interviews show a favourable potential for the development of AI for all
players in the aerospace sector. Nevertheless, other variables have to be taken into consideration when
dealing with a topic that integrates such deep and divisive sociological, economic, legal and ethical
dimensions. Therefore, this thesis also addresses the question of whether or not the aerospace sector is
ready to welcome and integrate more AI into their systems.
Finally, the pandemic period we are going through has created an unprecedented crisis and is completely
turning the aerospace industry's cards upside down. In this context, the question of developing new
intelligent systems to help crisis management takes on its full meaning.