Boeing turns to AI to cull safety risks from mountains of data

A Boeing 737 Max jet prepares to land at Boeing Field following a test flight in Seattle, on Sept 30, 2020. Boeing’s reputation was badly damaged with the 737 Max accidents in 2018 and 2019. Several investigations into the crashes found the lack of a safety framework contributed to the miscommunication and other breakdowns that led to flawed designs on the aircraft. — AP

Boeing Co is harnessing artificial intelligence to sift through mounds of data and identify potential hazards in its aircraft and airline operations, as it tries to bolster its safety culture following two fatal 737 Max crashes.

To identify and mitigate risks before they lead to accidents, injury or loss of life, the company has created a safety analytics tool that uses advanced mathematical models and machine learning, said Mike Delaney, Boeing’s chief aerospace safety officer. It’s part of a broader safety management system that Delaney and his team built in the aftermath of the tragedies.