Boeing and EASA have joined forces on an Innovation Partnership Contract (IPC) to explore onboard machine learning (ML) applications and test the future requirements that will govern them.

Leveraging EASA's knowledge in safety analysis and certification and Boeing's ML expertise, the collaboration focuses on the regulatory challenges posed by the complexities of an ML-enabled system. The partnership puts EASA's vision for artificial intelligence (AI) into use, contributing to future improvements in the EASA AI Concept Paper and aligning with its commitment to engaging with stakeholders in line with the EASA Artificial Intelligence Roadmap.

The assessment encompasses two related yet distinct Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for an ML-enabled autonomous taxi system. The system is designed to autonomously guide an aircraft between different locations within an airfield, such as from the boarding gate to the active runway. It comprises a machine learning-based perception subsystem responsible for object and marking detection and classification within its field of view. The information gathered by the perception subsystem is then relayed to a control subsystem. The control subsystem provides the necessary inputs to the aircraft's systems including nosewheel steering, thrust, brakes, and other essential components under pilot oversight.

"Boeing is committed to working with global regulators on machine learning solutions that improve safety and enhance performance” said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Todd Citron. “As these technologies continue to advance it is imperative that we take a disciplined and collaborative approach to strengthen safety and sustainability”. 

EASA's AI Programme Manager Guillaume Soudain underscored the critical role of collaboration with industry stakeholders through innovative partnership contracts: “By harnessing collective expertise, we are not only advancing the maturity of the EASA AI Roadmap deliverables, but also ensuring that our AI trustworthiness guidelines are rigorously tested and validated in real applications. This strategic collaboration lays the foundation for a safer, greener and more efficient aviation landscape, demonstrating EASA's commitment to innovation in partnership with industry.”

About Boeing: As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.  

About EASA: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centerpiece of the European Union's strategy for aviation safety. Our mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency employs experts and administrators from all over Europe. Learn more at https://www.easa.europa.eu/en.

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