Milestone
This action leverages the mature "reduced crew" technologies (Medium Term) to achieve the final step: fully autonomous (zero-crew) cargo operations. This involves certifying aircraft designed with no cockpit at all for dedicated use on major intercontinental routes, managed by the new autonomous ATM system.
This is a critical economic enabler. Failure to achieve this means the system still bears the high operational cost and human-based limitations of crewed flight, preventing the full "gate-to-gate" optimization and economic viability of the new system.
Scenario
Optimising together
Context Factor
A fully developed, certified, and deployed ecosystem of net-zero technologies, from new propulsion to full autonomy.
Timeline
Long term
PESTEL
Certify 'reduced crew' operations for initial cargo and long-haul flights.
This action involves certifying and implementing single pilot cockpit operations, enabled by the AI models validated in the Short Term. This would be restricted to initial use cases, such as long-haul flights (during cruise) or dedicated cargo routes, to build operational experience and prove safety.
Read moreAchieve sustained, high public trust in the fully autonomous passenger system.
This is the final "Social License" milestone, achieved only after decades of proven safety. It is the result of a flawless operational record from autonomous cargo and a transparent, secure, and safe passenger experience (e.g., a "virtual window" cockpit view).
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