AI is learning to fly airplanes — and aviation is starting to embrace it

AI is learning to fly airplanes — and aviation is starting to embrace it

https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/24/us/ai-flying-airplanes

Publish Date: 2026-05-24 14:10:00

Source Domain: www.cnn.com

Here are the key points regarding the article on Quonset State Airport and the Merlin Labs AI system:

– A Cessna Caravan piloted by AI as part of an experimental system demonstrates how artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize air travel, working in concert with traditional pilots.
– The Merlin Pilot system goes beyond a conventional autopilot, featuring natural language processing to follow instructions and provide responses over radio communications.
– The shift to AI-assisted aviation emerges amid a global pilot shortage and pressures on the air traffic control system, with the hopes of addressing both issues.
– The Trump administration and key figures in transportation support the modernization of air traffic control through AI, suggesting benefits like workload reduction and efficiency enhancements.
– Merlin Labs’ AI system aims to cut down human error, which is a leading cause of aviation accidents, although complete trust and technology hardening are seen as necessary before broader acceptance.
– There is a debate within the industry about the extent of AI’s role, with some maintaining that pilots are irreplaceable, while others highlight the potential for AI to support—not replace—pilots.
– Merlin Labs asserts that fully autonomous flights are still far off and emphasizes building trust in AI alongside human pilots for future applications.
– The company is working tirelessly to get FAA certification, with initial tests moving towards military applications, starting with a military contract for C-130 cargo planes.