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Pilotless Planes Could Save Airlines $35 Billion Per Year

Pilotless Planes

Technology is ready to take over, and that includes airplanes. Although air travel is no stranger to autopilot, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of flying on a fully automated plane.

According to a new report from Swiss bank UBS, the aviation industry could save $35 billion a year by making planes pilotless. The cost of skilled employees would be cut by $31 billion, related training by $3 billion and fuel by $1 billion. That’s a whole lot of money; but there’s just one minor issue: According to the survey of 8,000 passengers, 54 percent are unwilling to board a plane without a pilot. Only 17 percent of participants, including people from the U.S., U.k., France, Germany and Australia, said they would fly on a fully automated flight.

The report stated that younger participants, ages 18 to 34, seemed more willing to fly without a pilot, with 30 percent saying they would try it out. UBS analysts were positive about the result, stating that “acceptance should grow with time.”

The technology needed to operate automated planes could be here by 2025. UBS said there’s also room for automated business to extend to jets, helicopters and commercial aircrafts beyond 2030.

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“We think it is likely we would initially see cargo the first subsector to adopt new related technologies, with the number of pilots falling from two to one and eventually from one to none,” the report said.

Despite many people declining to fly on automated planes, major plane manufacturers are pushing for the change. Fortune reports that Boeing announced in June it was testing the appropriate technology and hinted that artificial intelligence could replace a number of tasks currently conducted by pilots.

As time passes, there is the possibility that people may one day not have a choice anymore. UBS mentioned that by the middle of the century, the majority of travelers will be willing to fly without a pilot.

Coutesy : Syracuse

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Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

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“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

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“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”

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