Date (UTC): 2026-04-02
Hi its Sam Chandra - CEO/Founder of Deepsky and the author of this newsletter. Here’s my take on todays news - which represents the last 72 hours of AI in Aviation happenings around the world:
EASA’s NPA 2025-07 is worth paying attention to. This is no longer guidance - it’s draft regulation, and that’s a meaningful shift. They’ve expanded coverage to all aviation domains and interestingly address using AI to build or test AI-based systems. The denial of generative AI and general purpose models is a bold call - I’ll let you read the detail below and decide for yourself. Meanwhile, the LaGuardia crash investigation keeps making the case that AI in ATC isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Hong Kong already has AI-powered surface detection live in their tower. If we’re serious about preventing runway incursions, the technology exists - we just need the will to deploy it. As I’ve previously said, ATM is the grand prize in aviation technology and with these kinds of events becoming consistent and the amount of ATM related innovation I am seeing on the ground, I think we are about to see it pop off.
EASA Proposes Draft AI Regulations Covering All Aviation Domains (NPA 2025-07)
A while ago (Nov ‘25), EASA published its first formal regulatory proposal for AI trustworthiness in aviation (it recently closec for comment), moving beyond previous guidance into binding draft regulation. The NPA now covers all domains of aviation - not just airborne applications - and introduces detailed specifications for Level 1 (AI-based assistance) and Level 2 (human-AI teaming) systems. Notably, it excludes generative AI and general purpose AI models from approved use - a position rooted in the 2020-21 paradigm when these regulations were first conceived, which could become a bottleneck for innovation in Europe. It also addresses using AI to build or test AI-based systems, flagging this as a concern for safe systems, which is fair enough.
LaGuardia Crash Bolsters Case for AI in Air Traffic Control Towers
The deadly LaGuardia runway collision - where an Air Canada jet struck a fire truck after ATC cleared both to use the same runway - has intensified calls for AI-powered surface surveillance in control towers. Hong Kong International Airport already operates an AI system that instantly tags aircraft and flags unexpected vehicles on the tarmac, the kind of technology experts say could have prevented this accident.
Boeing Global Services Invests in AI, USM & Inventory to Boost Supply
Boeing Global Services is using AI and data analytics to improve aftermarket supply, including demand forecasting tools and landing gear analytics that predict component replacement needs. With new-part lead times still elevated, BGS is also expanding into used serviceable materials and adding warehouse locations worldwide. Ok this is kind of a boring story, but parts are a big deal thats why this is in here.
Airbus Brings AI-Powered Digital Technology to Firefighting
Airbus completed a first-of-its-kind networked firefighting trial in Nimes, France, linking helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, drones, and ground crews through AI-powered data processing to deliver precision water drops. The system fuses real-time imagery, infrared data, satellite maps, and wind readings to produce a comprehensive tactical picture - cutting the time between fire detection and response.
Big AI: OpenAI Closes $122B Round at $852B Valuation
OpenAI has completed the largest private funding round in history - $122 billion at an $852 billion valuation - with Amazon ($50B), Nvidia ($30B), and SoftBank ($30B) as anchor investors. The company now generates $2 billion in monthly revenue serving 900 million weekly users, and is widely expected to IPO this year. For perspective the amount of money they raised is same as the value of Delta, Ryanair, United and IAG (the worlds 4 largest airlines) combined. …and thats just the amount they raised…
Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this edition. If you need help navigating the safe adoption of AI in your flight operation, then we have you covered. Contact me at admin@deepskyai.com or visit deepskyai.com
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AI-in-aviation updates from a pilot who builds with this technology. Published on Substack.
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