UBS has released a research report concluding that manufacturers could launch single-pilot cargo and commercial passenger airplanes by 2022 and 2023, respectively. The firm supports its claim with analysis of recent technological advances, including equipment developed by M2C Aerospace that allows for autonomous flight by cargo aircraft. For passenger aircraft, it noted that commentary from Airbus and Thales suggests reduced crew requirements allowing for single-pilot flight within five years.
However, said UBS, experts at Thales have indicated that security, reliability, and retrofitting remain obstacles to adoption.
Meanwhile, consumer resistance could also limit adoption, said UBS. A survey it recently conducted indicates a majority of consumers expressed an aversion to flying on either pilotless or single-pilot airplanes.
