British low-cost airline company EasyJet (easyJet) has started using artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline its operations, and so far, it is producing positive results.
EasyJet uses this technology at its new control center near London Luton Airport, where it has helped staff better manage flights among other essential tasks (via the BBC).
AI Tool Drives Efficiency at EasyJet's New Control Center
EasyJet is one of Europe's busiest aircraft operators, with post-pandemic numbers suggesting it oversees around 2000 flights every day. With this hectic schedule, AI makes the work lighter for the people on the ground running the airline.
It is also important to note that the company currently employs more than 250 personnel, and managing thousands of flights is surely challenging.
EasyJet staff uses AI through a special generative AI tool called Jetstream. Personnel and pilots use this tool to address issues that arise during their tasks.
According to the airline, this tool can specifically help personnel decide which crew and how many are needed for specific operations and ensure that the right aircraft is on the correct route.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: An easyJet aeroplane comes in for landing at Gatwick Airport on March 27, 2022 in London, England. Gatwick's South terminal closed in June 2020 to reduce costs during the Coronvirus pandemic when traveller numbers reduced significantly. It has undergone months of refurbishment and re-opens today to meet the expected increased demand for air travel over Easter and the coming summer now that restrictions have been lifted. Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images
Moreover, AI also suggests pilot and cabin crew allocation, what kinds of food should be served on specific flight routes, helps in planning aircraft maintenance, and even improves customer experience.
The AI technology and easyJet's new facility in Bedfordshire come in time for the summer, which is the peak season for air travel. The company expects to manage around 13,000 flights every week.
Gill Baudot, director of network control for easyJet, believes that these AI solutions help speed up the decision-making of staff to solve operational issues.
"We can see many ways to further build on the progress we have already made and enhance this in the near future," Baudot said.
In a statement, easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren lauded the 'modern and bespoke facility' for its ability to improve customer experience and the airline's operational efficiency.
"We continue to invest in and deepen our knowledge and use of AI, with a rapid deployment team working on 250 live use cases across our operations...," the CEO said.
In related news, some airports around the world are now using AI to speed up the search for lost pieces of baggage.
For example, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just one of many airports that are embracing AI technology to recover travelers' misplaced belongings.
Amazon has announced plans to upgrade Alexa by incorporating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into its decade-old voice assistant. This upgrade may require a monthly subscription fee.
According to reports, two anonymous sources said the Seattle-based tech giant will release a more conversational Alexa later this year to compete with Google and OpenAI's AI-powered chatbots.
