British Airways cuts cancellations & delays with “game-changing” AI adoption

British Airways claims 86 percent of its flights from Heathrow departed on time during the first quarter of 2025

Add bookmark
Listen to this content

Audio conversion provided by OpenAI

Michael Hill
Michael Hill
05/13/2025

British Airways plane

British Airways has cut cancellations and delays with “game-changing” artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The airline revealed that a recent incorporation of AI has resulted in improvements to flight punctuality after years marked by operational chaos.

According to British Airways figures, 86 percent of its flights from Heathrow departed on time during the first quarter of 2025, a notable improvement which it is attributing to the use of AI.

This comes after the firm spent £100 million on “operational resilience” which included new AI technology and 600 additional employees at Heathrow.

Don't miss any news, updates or insider tips from PEX Network by getting them delivered to your inbox. Sign up to our newsletter and join our community of experts. 

Game-changing AI tech transforms performance

AI integration has proved to be a major performance enabler, British Airways CEO Sean Doyle told the Financial Times. Among the investments is the modernization of the airlines’ unreliable IT systems, which experienced a series of high-profile breakdowns in 2017, 2019 and 2022.

Now, sophisticated AI systems contain decision support tools that identify potential actions to mitigate the impacts of disruptions. This includes rerouting aircraft to avoid turbulent weather, determining whether it is more efficient to delay or cancel a flight and minimizing passenger disruption by directing aircraft to more convenient gates.

“This is about investing in the things we can control,” Doyle added. “The tech colleagues now have at their fingertips has been a real game-changer for performance.”

AI is redefining success

The revelation from British Airways presents a marked step forward in the wider adoption of AI by businesses. “AI is a defining factor for organizational success, with those failing to integrate it into their operations risking irrelevance,” said Jake Harvey, automation and analytics lead at Advania UK.

AI and machine learning are poised to further revolutionize customer experiences, but its real value depends on strategic implementation that optimizes workflows and delivers tangible benefits, he added. “Due to this shift in integration, customers will come to expect AI-driven enhancements across all products and services, from finance and HR to customer support, much like the ubiquity of mobile phones today.”

AI will continue to play diverse roles – operating discreetly in the background, streamlining communication or addressing specific needs. However, the fast-paced evolution of AI demands a “fail fast” mindset, Harvey warned.

“Businesses that delay implementation will face greater challenges and fall behind more agile competitors. Success lies in thoughtful, precise application – recognizing that not every problem requires a sweeping solution. Sometimes, the most impactful results come from small, targeted uses of AI that align with specific business goals.”

All Access: Change Management or Business Transformation 2025

All Access: Change Management or Business Transformation 2025 from PEX Network will help professionals get an understanding of the latest developments in change management, including how to overcome resistance to change, how to create a culture of change, and how to measure the success of change initiatives.

Register Now


Topics: AI OPEX

RECOMMENDED