AI and digital transformation reshape aviation, but safety remains non-negotiable

AI and digital transformation are reshaping commercial aviation, with executives from Hitit noting that AI is central to modernising how airlines manage operations, revenue, and customer experience. They emphasise that changes must be strategic and tied to clear objectives rather than blanket AI adoption.

The discussion, conducted at the World Aviation Festival in Lisbon, highlights a phased approach to upgrading core IT and operational systems so flight continuity and passenger satisfaction are preserved during modernization.

Hitit’s leaders describe AI being embedded in various components of its solutions, including cost accounting, reporting, and management of operational disruption, with tools that can generate reports from written requests and help anticipate weather- and runway-related issues.

A long-term vision discussed is the potential removal of separate check-in steps through Digital Travel Credentials (DTC) and ICAO/IATA standards, aimed at reducing repeated identity verifications while maintaining security. The transformation would rely on interoperable, flexible systems and industry-wide cooperation.

Hitit’s current footprint is global, with CEO Nevra Onursal Karaağaç noting growth from 17 airlines in 2018 to nearly 70 carriers in 2026, serving more than 900 airports across 47 countries. Kubilay stresses that continued expansion will depend on maintaining safety, control over data, and the ability to integrate solutions from multiple providers without lock-in.