Pilots have warned that plans being considered by an EU agency to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) on flights will "reduce safety". The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is considering proposals to use technology for periods during flights, with aviation companies Airbus and Dassault starting to push for one-pilot AI-assisted flights, according to reports.

In response, Spanish pilots trade union SEPLA has blasted the plans, with a senior pilot and SEPLA director Ángel González warning: "What is being proposed is an aberration that goes against all principles.

"The formula of always having two pilots in the cockpit is absolutely key because, without it, safety is clearly diminished", he said. "On a plane, all checks and procedures must be performed in duplicate to avoid problems and, moreover, there must always be a pilot who monitors everything that happens as well as his partner's activity", he added.

He went on to say that AI "cannot correct mistakes or make situational decisions; critical and human judgment is needed for which AI does not serve.

"No airline is behind this; but two companies are already testing their cockpits to operate with just one pilot. Not all firms want to reduce safety, just these two do", Mr González added. However, the plans EASA is considering will not see only one pilot left on an aircraft.

Instead, the body said it is assessing plans to include AI in the airline team to reduce the number of crews required for a long-haul flight. The agency explained: "Single-pilot flights were proposed to us, but had already been completely discarded. A flight with only one pilot will not be accepted as we see it as complex and unpredictable". The agency accused pilots and the media of confusing the issue.

Instead, what is being studied is whether long-haul flights, which require two crews to alternate and rest, could use AI to reduce the number of pilots needed. According to el Economista, the agency is looking at whether, during stages of the flight, there could be one pilot, assisted by technology. However, during key moments such as landing or take-off, two pilots would be engaged.

"A single pilot would be in the cockpit over certain phases of flight in cruise state, which would require considerable technological changes that can guarantee they detect if the pilot becomes incapacitated", the agency said.

The timeline for the study is yet to be finalised, but conclusions could emerge in 2029 and be formalised in 2030.