Only ten years ago, the idea of autonomous vehicles on our roads seemed like a distant reality. And yet, rapid advances in machine learning—as well as sensor, camera and mapping technology—have been making great progress. But autonomous technologies are not only applicable to cars: they are also influencing the development of more autonomous flight.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air traffic is expected to double by 2037. This will necessitate approximately +37,000 new passenger and freight aircraft—and more than half a million new pilots to fly them. Given this expected increase in air travel, other solutions will be required to support pilots in aircraft operations.