Blockchain Adoption in Aviation: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

In the world of aviation, current evidence suggests that data management systems are majorly centralized and at the same time suffer some noted shortfalls. Whereas, under this system of operation, it is hard to guarantee trust, especially data provenance, in addition to other shortfalls. More so, there are issues of lack of sufficient governance of data immutability, transparency, auditability, and traceability; which present debilitating drawbacks to the current regime of centralized data management systems in aviation industries.  In effect, the shortfalls and lapses of the reigning data management –– the aviation centralized data management systems–– incentivizes the adoption of other foolproof data management system. In plain terms, technology models now favor and encourage Blockchain as a result of its ‘heavy-weight’ of strength over the weaknesses of other systems of data management, especially the centralized data management in aviation.  Blockchain is a new ‘bride’ courted by popular technologies for its positive disruptive tendencies. Blockchain as a new normal disruptive technology promises potency and reliability in data trust, traceability, transparency, auditability, and immutability. Blockchain further emphasizes immutability for stored and exchanged data, in transaction environments, in a decentralized and secure manner. That is, in a manner whereby a trusted third-party involvement is not required.  For this reason, this paper discusses and highlights the key characteristics that differentiate and denominate Blockchain.  It dwells more upon Blockchain application in aviation, in its several sectors such as passenger verification, In-flight Entertainment (IFE) Monetization, Smart Contact, Digital Identity, Distribution, Payment, and so on. Also, the paper did not conclude without pointing out areas of inconclusive research in Blockchain technology to stimulate further research studies leading to new understanding, knowledge, ideation, and idea incubation.