Aviation technology specialist Forthcode has published a new industry report examining how artificial intelligence (AI) could reshape airline operations, highlighting a shift from basic digital assistance and chatbots towards AI agents capable of executing tasks across multiple systems.

Titled AI in Aviation 2026: From Digital Airlines to Autonomous Airlines, the report explores how AI is evolving from a support tool into an increasingly important operational capability, helping airline employees make faster decisions, access critical information and manage complex workflows.

Forthcode argues that the next phase of adoption will depend less on airlines introducing additional AI applications and more on embedding intelligence into everyday operational processes. These include airport operations, disruption management, customer recovery, ancillary revenue, retail and inflight services.

The report identifies several factors accelerating adoption, including tighter profit margins, operational complexity, labour constraints, rising passenger expectations, regulatory pressures and fragmented legacy technology systems.

Ajith Balakumar, CEO of Forthcode, said: “There has been enormous attention on generative AI over the last few years, but aviation is now moving into a much more interesting phase. The conversation is shifting from what AI can say to what it can actually do within airline operations. That means connecting intelligence with airline knowledge, rules, systems and real operational workflows.”

He added “We created this report to look beyond the hype and highlight where we believe AI can deliver genuine value for airlines, as well as some of the challenges that need to be addressed if it is going to be deployed at scale.”

Moving beyond airline chatbots

One of the report's central themes is the transition from AI copilots to AI agents and, eventually, more autonomous airline operations.

Forthcode suggests most airlines remain at the enterprise search and AI copilot stages, where technology provides employees with contextual information and decision-making support. The next stage will involve AI systems executing tasks across airline platforms, operating within defined boundaries and under human oversight.

Potential applications extend beyond customer service to include ground operations, disruption management, regulatory compliance, operational knowledge, catering and inflight services.

For example, AI could help airport employees respond more quickly to operational disruptions, support passenger rebooking and recovery, provide immediate access to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and assist staff in making increasingly complex retail and service decisions.

Rather than presenting an exhaustive list of possible applications, the report identifies operational priorities and the conditions required for successful implementation.

Developing AI that works offline

Another key area examined is the emergence of offline-first AI, which could extend the technology's capabilities beyond connected airport and back-office environments and into aircraft cabins.

Forthcode explores how airline operational knowledge could be synchronised before departure and accessed by cabin crew through onboard AI assistants, even where internet connectivity is limited or unavailable.

Potential applications include cabin crew guidance, passenger services, inflight retail, catering and safety procedures.

Balakumar added: “Some of the most valuable airline decisions happen in environments where connectivity cannot be guaranteed. If AI is going to become a genuine operational capability, it needs to be available wherever airline employees are working. Offline AI is just one example of how the technology could develop. There are many other areas explored in the report that we believe will become increasingly important to airline leaders over the next two to three years.”

Five priorities for airline leaders

The report also outlines a practical framework for airline executives planning their AI strategies, arguing that success should be measured by operational impact rather than the number of applications deployed.

It highlights the importance of establishing strong knowledge foundations, identifying priority operational areas, defining clear boundaries between human and AI decision-making, and integrating intelligence directly into existing airline workflows.

Other considerations include governance, auditability and systems integration, alongside the need to convert airline procedures, policies and operational knowledge into structured information that AI systems can reliably access and use.

The report includes an AI maturity model, a map of potential enterprise applications, six major trends shaping airline AI and an assessment of operational areas expected to attract particular attention between 2026 and 2028.

It also examines emerging AI platforms and how they can be applied to practical airline operations.

Through the report, Forthcode aims to provide airline leaders with a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with moving towards increasingly autonomous operations, as AI becomes more closely integrated into the systems and processes supporting the aviation industry. -TradeArabia News Service