AI-Powered Edge-Cloud Continuum for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

The aviation industry is moving toward a greener, more sustainable, integrated, and digital ecosystem, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning showing potential key roles in the transformation process. Travelers, who are now increasingly used to ubiquitous data access, are restarting their air travels with higher expectations and demands for connectivity services. This trend highlights the importance of the in-flight entertainment and connectivity system, which should adapt to such changes and be designed to focus on network security and privacy. In this article, we provide experimental demonstration of an AI-based edge-computing platform developed within the cloud-enabled Aircraft Network and ARtificial Intelligence-based data Analysis (CANARIA) project, which targets to deliver proof-of-concept of an in-flight edge network. The CANARIA edge-computing platform offers a set of AI-based and containerized applications to not only improve the in-flight experience for cabin crew and passengers, but also to underpin the cabin digital transformation while increasing the safety and security of the connectivity system.