Aviation experts chart future with hydrogen and AI

International aviation and defence experts met in Groß-Siegharts in Lower Austria on Thursday to discuss the industry’s future, including artificial intelligence, hydrogen-powered aircraft and rising demand. ORF reported that representatives from 15 countries attended the meeting.

Test systems for passenger aircraft and the Austrian armed forces’ Eurofighter jets are often made in Groß-Siegharts, in the Waidhofen an der Thaya district. Local company Test-Fuchs recently opened a new building there. Managing director Volker Fuchs said business was performing well, unlike in parts of the automotive industry.

“Passenger numbers are forecast to continue rising strongly. The need for new aircraft therefore remains very high, giving us a good basis to invest, develop and grow at our site in Lower Austria,” Fuchs said.

Industry faces shortage of skilled workers

Experts at the meeting said the industry still had significant room for growth. Aviation expert Michael Santo said production would need to increase by 500 to 600 percent because of current conflict situations.

Camille Flaherty, managing director of a US company producing military aircraft and helicopters, said the United States faced challenges similar to those in Austria. “We are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, probably for the coming decade. There simply are not enough engineers and employees,” she told ORF.

Hydrogen and pilotless aircraft

The industry is also expected to change. A student project from Switzerland believes aircraft could soon take off using liquid hydrogen instead of kerosene. Kaspar Oplatka, the project’s team leader, said kerosene was still cheaper and easier to use. The transition would require suitable regulations, with major companies, business and politicians bearing particular responsibility, he said.

A Swedish manufacturer demonstrated another possible development: a fighter jet being tested without a pilot. Artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role. Aviation consultant Jussi Halmetoja said an experiment last year involved artificial intelligence controlling an aircraft during a complex combat mission. Since then, more systems have been developed to support pilots in their decisions.