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By Scott Hamilton
Part 4
In 2017, Boeing published “Innovation Quarterly”, covering a wide range of company efforts in new technology–including Artificial Intelligence. Credit: Boeing.
April 23, 2026, © Leeham News: Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be an important part of developing Boeing’s next new airplane, whatever it is.
During an appearance last month at the Pacific Northwest AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), Boeing’s VP of Product Development outlined how AIAA may be used in the future. Brian Yutko declined to specifically tie AI to any specific new airplane program. However, he addressed how this and other new technology applies to new aircraft development.
In addition, LNA has been independently learning from its sources how Boeing will use AI for its future airplane programs.
Yet for all the growing attention about AI in today’s world, it’s hardly new. As far back as 2017, Boeing began telling the world about its interests in AI. In June that year, Boeing announced that its Boeing HorizonX venture capital arm acquired a Texas firm, SparkCognition, a machine-learning company.
“SparkCognition has established itself as a machine learning technology leader, developing a cognitive, data-driven analytics platform for the safety, security and reliability of data technology for customers in energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, finance, aerospace, defense, telecommunications and security,” Boeing said in its press release.
A search of Boeing’s archives reveals announcement after announcement about AI investment, research and activities.
On perhaps a more mundane level, the maintenance monitoring systems on Boeing, Airbus and other airplanes have long been a money-saving part of operations. As airliners are enroute, these systems monitor the “health” of the aircraft. If something “wrong” is detected, a message can be sent to the airline’s maintenance department to be ready with a solution as soon as the aircraft arrives at its gate.
