Hazem Ahmed
Data Science and AI Leader, Emirates

The Emirates data science and AI leader on why aviation’s most valuable AI is the least visible, why building the model is the easy part, and why the next phase of the region’s AI will be won on execution discipline.

BB: What is the biggest misconception about how AI is being deployed across aviation today versus how it is discussed publicly?

HA: One of the biggest misconceptions is that AI in aviation is primarily about generative AI and customer facing experiences. In reality, much of the value is being created behind the scenes, through decision support, operational optimisation, predictive insights and workforce productivity.

The industry’s focus is less on replacing people and more on augmenting human expertise, in environments where reliability, safety and accountability cannot be compromised.

BB: What recent development best illustrates where AI adoption in aviation is heading?

HA: The most significant shift is the move from isolated proofs of concept to enterprise wide AI platforms, supported by governance, engineering standards and clear business ownership. Today, the focus is on infrastructure, clean data pipelines, strict governance and integrating solutions directly into daily operations.

Aviation organisations are increasingly focused on operationalising AI at scale, building it into core workflows rather than treating it as a standalone innovation initiative. This reflects a broader maturation of AI, from experimentation to business transformation.

BB: Where do you see the biggest gap between how AI in aviation is discussed publicly and how it is actually being used?

HA: Public discussion often centres on autonomous systems and breakthrough technologies, while the greatest impact today comes from practical applications that improve efficiency, decision making and customer experience.

Many successful deployments are designed to help employees make faster and better informed decisions, rather than removing the human element altogether. The reality is that the highest value use cases are often the least visible to customers.

BB: What is a lesson from implementing AI in complex, safety critical industries that other technology leaders may underestimate?

HA: Many leaders underestimate the importance of trust, governance, change management and organisational readiness. Building an accurate model is often easier than embedding it in business processes and earning the confidence of operational teams.

In highly regulated and safety critical environments, sustainable adoption depends on transparency, accountability and consistent business outcomes, not just technical performance.

BB: Looking at the MENA technology landscape, what shift do you expect to matter most over the next two to three years?

HA: The most important shift will be the transition from AI experimentation to AI industrialisation. Organisations across the region are investing not only in AI, but also in the data foundations, engineering capabilities, governance frameworks and talent required to scale it responsibly.

The winners will be those that combine innovation with execution discipline and measurable business value.