Digitalizing aviation infrastructure: the role of technology in overcoming fragmentation

The digitalisation of aviation infrastructure rests on the premise that better data creation, management and use can overcome the political, technological and infrastructural fragmentation of the aviation system and contribute to greater efficiency, sustainability and safety in this sector. Focusing on developments in Europe, this chapter outlines the main developments brought about by new technologies such as installing new sensors and introducing artificial intelligence to the aviation sector. Despite the lack of an overarching vision and the slow uptake of new technologies due to fragmentation, legal uncertainty and diverging interests among stakeholders, the potential for digital solutions to centralise, coordinate and improve functions across aviation components is high. As both current and new players in the aviation sector continue to contribute to data creation, management and use, new market structures are emerging and altering the traditional allocation of roles by public and private actors alike. New regulatory barriers and the potential for new types of market distortions emerge, calling for new regulatory frameworks and solutions.