Delta's CEO says AI's biggest opportunity in aviation isn't inside the plane—it's air traffic control.

The article focuses on Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian’s perspective on the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving air traffic control, a critical area facing technological and staffing challenges in the U.S. aviation system. Bastian highlights AI’s promise in enhancing travel efficiency by better managing air traffic, predicting turbulence, and understanding airflow, while noting that current air traffic control technology is outdated and the workforce is understaffed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is beginning to incorporate AI tools like large language models for risk assessment but emphasizes that AI complements rather than replaces human expertise. The U.S. government has announced a $31.5 billion plan to modernize air traffic control infrastructure, which Bastian supports as essential to unlocking more efficient air travel. [Extracted from the article]