Flying Smarter: How Internet Tech Could Change Air Travel

Air travel might soon get a high-tech upgrade. Boeing, along with United Airlines and some tech partners, recently tested a new way for planes to talk to each other and to air traffic control. They used something called Internet Protocol Suite (IPS), which is like giving planes their own internet connection. This isn't just about faster messages. It's about making flights safer and more efficient. Imagine planes sharing real-time data, like their exact position and speed, with control towers. This could help reduce delays, save fuel, and even cut down on pollution. The test flights happened in October, with planes flying out of Houston in the US and Edinburgh in Scotland. Boeing's tech chief, Todd Criton, said this could be a big step forward for air travel. He believes it will make flying safer and more efficient for everyone. So, what exactly is IPS? It's a way for planes to send and receive data over the internet. This is different from the old radio systems. IPS can handle more information, and it's more secure. It could also help planes fly more smoothly, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. This tech is part of something called Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO). Think of it as Waze for planes. It gives controllers a full picture of where each plane is and where it's going. This helps manage air traffic better, making the skies safer and more efficient. Other airlines are already using similar tech. For example, Lufthansa's new Airbus planes send real-time data to controllers. This helps them plan better routes, saving fuel and reducing costs. Vietnam Airlines is doing the same, making their flights more efficient.