Passenger acceptance of AI-controlled flight operations: Trust and risk perspectives

Abstract

Aerospace technologies represent some of the most advanced innovations of the modern age. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in this sector, paving the way for a future where fully autonomous aircraft may carry out air transport. This possibility also brings with it socio-technical challenges, particularly regarding passenger acceptance. This study utilizes a technology acceptance model to examine the intention to fly in AI-controlled aircraft. Data collected from 258 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings show that trust significantly increases perceived usefulness while decreasing perceived risk, playing a central role in the model. Conversely, perceived risk negatively affects perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness emerges as the strongest predictor of intention to use. Another important finding is that perceived ease of use is not functional in the model. This suggests that in high-risk technologies that have not been directly experienced, evaluations are based more on trust and risk perception than on usability. The proposed model strongly explains both perceived usefulness and intention to use. The findings highlight the critical importance of trust for societal acceptance of AI-based aviation and offer actionable insights for developers, airlines, and policymakers.