✓ Low compliance impact for SMEs
WHAT THE ARTICLE IS ABOUT
AI Act integrated into the main EU aviation safety framework
Article 108 amends the EU’s primary civil aviation safety regulation to ensure AI systems used in aircraft, air traffic management, unmanned aircraft (drones), and airport operations are subject to AI Act requirements alongside existing EASA safety rules. This is distinct from the more specific civil aviation security amendment in Article 102 — Article 108 covers the broader aviation safety framework.
WHAT IT SAYS
Aviation safety regulation updated to integrate AI Act compliance
- Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 is amended to include AI Act requirements for AI systems used in civil aviation
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency plays a coordinating role in AI Act compliance within the aviation safety framework
- AI systems in aircraft design, air traffic management, and unmanned aircraft systems are subject to the integrated compliance framework
- Where AI systems are safety components of aircraft subject to EASA certification, AI Act requirements are assessed as part of that certification
WHO IS AFFECTED
Aviation manufacturers, air navigation service providers, and drone operators
- Aircraft manufacturers incorporating AI systems
- Air navigation service providers using AI in traffic management
- Drone manufacturers and operators subject to EASA rules
- AI providers developing systems for aviation applications
WHAT IT MEANS FOR SMES
Relevant for drone and aviation AI SMEs
- The drone sector is particularly relevant for SMEs — many small companies develop AI-enabled drone systems for commercial applications
- If your drone product incorporates AI safety systems subject to EASA rules, AI Act compliance requirements are integrated into the EASA certification process
- Drone AI providers should note that U-space airspace management systems using AI may be subject to this amendment’s integrated compliance requirements
- The aviation sector’s safety culture means AI Act compliance is likely to be treated seriously — build it in from the start rather than retrofitting
Related Articles
- Article 102 — Civil aviation security amendment (specific to security screening, distinct from this general aviation safety amendment)
- Article 107 — Motor vehicle amendment
- Article 109 — Vehicle safety amendment
- Article 6 — High-risk classification
