Position Paper on AI

Position paper on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Aviation & Airport Sector

Airport Regions Council (ARC), the organization of cities and regions hosting an airport in their territories, recognizes and supports that airports are vital nodes in Europe’s connectivity and economic competitiveness. However, their successful development and long-term sustainability are inherently tied to the territories in which they are located. Regions hosting airports bear the environmental, social, and infrastructural impacts of air transport operations, while also reaping important economic benefits.

ARC acknowledges that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming all economic sectors – and aviation is no exception. As cities that host airports, we welcome innovation but demand that AI be deployed in a way that protects social cohesion, promotes decent work, and addresses real-world urban challenges. Therefore, we call on the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, the Council to actively support the most responsible use of AI in the aviation sector.

Key Policy Recommendations

1. AI will become a core enabler across all economic sectors

AI is set to become ubiquitous – enhancing planning, operations, logistics, and customer experience. Aviation will rely on AI to manage increasing traffic volumes, streamline security, optimize air traffic management, and support environmental goals.

2. Aviation will use AI extensively to meet rising demand

With air traffic expected to double in the coming decades, AI will be central to modernizing airport operations and airspace management. We support its deployment where it:

• Improves efficiency and safety;

• Reduces environmental impact;

• Enhances quality of service.

However, we caution that efficiency gains must not come at the expense of social and labor protections.

3. AI must help to create better jobs

We reject the idea that automation should reduce employment. AI must support human work. Job transitions must be managed carefully and respectfully, especially in aviation sectors like ground handling, maintenance, and administration.

ARC demands:

• Public investment in upskilling and reskilling workers;

• Social dialogue with trade unions;

• A “just transition” approach, as outlined in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
  

4. AI implementation must include workers participation

We call for AI adoption processes that are transparent, inclusive, and collaborative. Workers must be involved in decision-making about the design and rollout of AI tools – especially where safety, scheduling, and job tasks are concerned.

Participatory innovation leads to more effective and ethical AI systems.

5. AI should solve real problems – Not just serve economic goals

AI should help address persistent challenges facing airport-hosting cities:

• Noise monitoring and prediction;

• Public transport integration;

• Emergency response coordination;

• Real-time pollution tracking.

AI must be a public good, not just a private sector optimization tool.

6. AI should be integrated into airports education and training programs

As AI reshapes the aviation ecosystem, we must ensure present and future professionals are trained accordingly. We call for:

• Stronger links between universities, technical schools, and airport authorities;

• Curricula that include AI ethics, data governance, and applied use cases;

• Inclusion of public sector and municipal needs in educational planning.

To summarize, as cities and regions hosting an airport we support the responsible adoption of AI in aviation – provided it serves the public interest, enhances jobs, and helps tackle the real issues of airport-hosting cities. A human-centered approach must guide all AI integration, with transparency, worker participation, long-term urban resilience and adequate balance among human intelligence, AI and machine learning, at its core.