Larnaca 30 May 2024 -Conclusions

REGIONAL SEMINAR

 

“"Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security in Civil and Military Aviation"”

                                             

LARNACA 30 MAY 2024

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

The Regional Seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security in Civil and Military Aviation,” held in Larnaca, Cyprus, on May 30, 2024, provided an in-depth exploration into the current challenges and future opportunities in these critical areas of aviation. Organized by the Flight Safety Foundation Mediterranean (FSF-MED) and the European Association of Aviation Training and Education Organisations (EATEO), and with the support of key governmental and institutional stakeholders, the seminar brought together renowned experts and practitioners from around the globe.

Opening Session Highlights

The opening session set the stage with welcome addresses from prominent representatives such as Christos Petrou, Chrysos Hadjichrysanthou, Alessio Quaranta, MEP Costas Mavrides, and representatives of the Cypriot government. These speakers underscored the significance of integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robust cybersecurity measures into both civil and military aviation sectors. The emphasis was on international collaboration and the necessity for regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring safety.

Challenges to Civil Aviation

The first session on the challenges to civil aviation featured insights from Nicolas Rallo (ICAO EUR/NAT Office), Patrick Mana (EUROCONTROL), and Sebastiano Veccia (ENAC – Italy). The speakers highlighted the accelerated adoption of AI in Air Traffic Management and aircraft operations, which necessitates updated international regulations and enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats. The session underscored the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of AI applications to ensure they meet safety and efficiency standards.

Further contributions from representatives of Giancarlo Buono (IATA), Costas Tziazas (HERMES AIRPORTS/ACI), Stelios Iacovou (IFALPA), Dr Stathis Malakis (IFATCA), and Theo Kyritsis (IFATSEA) provided a comprehensive look at the operational challenges and the necessity for industry-wide standards to mitigate risks associated with AI (i.e enhanced Minimum Crew Operations – Single Pilot Operations) and cybersecurity threats. This session called for stronger cooperation between airlines, airports, and service providers to ensure seamless integration of new technologies.

Challenges to Military Aviation

The second session focused on military aviation, with presentations from Spyros Evagorou (Cyprus Ministry of Defense), Professor Ioanna Lekea (Hellenic Air Force), and Carmine Marres (Italian Air Force). These experts highlighted the unique challenges faced by military aviation, including the need for secure communication systems, resilient AI applications in defense operations, and the protection of critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The session emphasized the importance of advanced training and preparedness to handle AI-driven technologies (biometrics – machine learning – deep learning) in military contexts.

Training and Research

The third session, moderated by Prof. Lorenzo Mezzadri (President of the Italian Flight Safety Committee), Harris Zacharatos (Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises), and Dr. Vassilis Kapatos (Centre For Research and Technology Hellas), focused on the pivotal role of training and research in advancing AI and cybersecurity in aviation. They stressed the necessity for continuous education and the development of new research partnerships to stay ahead of technological advancements and cyber threats. This session illustrated the imperative for academic institutions and industry stakeholders to collaborate on innovative solutions and best practices.

Continued Exploration in Training

The continuation of the training and research session highlighted contributions from Eric Schoonderwoerd and Jonathan Hoepel (JAA TO), Rajkumar Subramaniam from Qatar Aeronautical Academy, and Professor Dimitrios Ziakkas from Purdue University (USA). The discussions emphasized the creation and implementation of specialized training programs that prepare aviation professionals to work with AI systems (biometrics – VR-MR-XR-SATCE) and understand cybersecurity protocols. Speakers called for an interdisciplinary approach to education, combining expertise in aeronautics, computer science, and cybersecurity. Moreover the creation of an online Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security in Civil and Military Aviation training platform, under FSF -MED / EATEO administration, would safeguard the implementation of the emerging technologies.

Final Session and Key Takeaways

In the final session, participants engaged in a robust discussion that encapsulated the insights from the day. Key takeaways included:

  1. Enhanced Collaboration: There is a critical need for international cooperation and standardization in AI and cybersecurity practices across both civil and military aviation sectors. The proposed online training AI /Cybersecurity platform would enhance the collaboration among the aviation ecosystem.
  2. Regulatory Advancements: Governments and regulatory bodies must develop and enforce updated regulations that keep pace with technological advancements.
  3. Ongoing Education: Continuous education and specialized training programs (proposed on line platform) are essential to equip aviation professionals with the skills to manage new technologies and emerging threats.
  4. Innovative Research: Investment in cutting-edge civil and military research and development is necessary to stay ahead of AI and cybersecurity challenges.
  5. Resilience and Response: The aviation sector must focus on building resilient systems capable of responding effectively to cyber-attacks and AI failures.

The seminar concluded with a consensus on the vital role that AI and cybersecurity will continue to play in the future of aviation. Concerted efforts in collaboration, research, and education are paramount to harnessing the benefits of these technologies while mitigating associated risks. The event successfully fostered a platform for dialogue, paving the way for future advancements and partnerships in the dynamic fields of aviation, AI, and cybersecurity.

 

 

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