By Capt. Deval Soni, Commander on A-320 Airbus

Aviation has been my passion, my career, and in many ways, my life. Over the years, I’ve seen this industry evolve, face challenges, and emerge stronger every time. Sitting in the cockpit, I’ve felt the pulse of aviation firsthand—its highs, its lows, and the thrill of flying through the unknown. Today, as I reflect on where we are headed, I feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and nostalgia. The industry isn’t just changing; it’s transforming at a pace that makes even seasoned aviators like me pause and take notice. From sustainable fuels to AI-driven systems and evolving passenger expectations, we are witnessing a new era in aviation.

The Rise of Sustainable Aviation

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. As pilots, we’ve always been conscious of fuel efficiency, but now the industry as a whole is looking at long-term solutions. I remember a conversation with an engineer about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and his passion for the subject made me realize just how much potential we have to make a real difference.

SAF, made from renewable sources like used cooking oil and agricultural waste, can cut emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Several airlines have started incorporating SAF into their operations, though challenges remain—particularly high costs and limited availability. But as production scales up, I believe SAF will become the norm rather than the exception.

Electric aircraft are another fascinating development. I’ve followed companies like Airbus and Rolls-Royce investing heavily in hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems. While they won’t replace large commercial jets anytime soon, the idea of boarding a silent, zero-emission aircraft for a short-haul flight feels closer to reality than ever before.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

I’ve been flying for years, yet the way AI is making its way into aviation still amazes me. AI-driven air traffic management systems are optimizing flight routes and reducing delays, and predictive maintenance is catching technical issues before they happen. It’s like having an extra set of expert eyes always on the job. Many new changes are coming. In my last 9.5 years of experience, I saw changes in weather radar systems, powerplants, enhanced cockpit displays, software's, FMGC functions, FMA modes, EFB advanced features, better aircrafts and many more like this.

For pilots, AI-driven assistance systems are set to become an invaluable asset. We already rely on sophisticated avionics and autopilot systems, but AI can further ease pilot workload, enhance decision-making, and improve safety. But let me be clear—pilots aren’t going anywhere. There’s a certain instinct and judgment that comes from experience, something no AI can replace. Instead, AI will act as a co-pilot, ensuring we make data-backed decisions in complex situations.

The Post-Pandemic Passenger Experience

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we fly. I’ve personally seen passengers’ expectations shift—people now demand more flexibility, hygiene, and efficiency. Contactless check-ins, biometric security screenings, and AI-powered customer service have become second nature to travelers.

Airlines are also rethinking cabin design—more spacious seating, enhanced air filtration systems, and touchless in-flight services are now the norm. I’ve had conversations with airline executives who are exploring ways to make flying a more personalized experience, using data to tailor services to individual passengers.

And business travel? It’s changed drastically. With remote work and virtual meetings now widely accepted, airlines have had to rethink their approach. Leisure travel is booming, and carriers are focusing on flexible fares and experience-driven services to attract this new wave of travelers.