Business aviation companies that do not embrace AI may struggle to keep pace with the industry

At a panel discussion titled “AI in Business Aviation” held during the Florida Aviation Business Association’s annual conference in Tampa last week, Bob Watts, CEO of the AI and cybersecurity firm Vivitec, told attendees that “if you are not using AI yet, you will fall behind.” He emphasized that the goal of AI is to improve operational efficiency and serve as a force multiplier for business growth and expansion.

Joining him on the panel were Jim Wiley and Tom Lelio.

Wiley added that the real risk lies in not adopting AI, especially given its strength in collecting and analyzing data. He noted that in the industry, the fear of falling behind is increasingly outweighing the fear of change. While concerns remain about AI replacing jobs, he argued that this is not inevitable, saying that AI will eliminate mediocrity but also enable high performers to achieve more by increasing productivity without expanding headcount.

Watts also advised users not to chase short-term gains or constantly switch between platforms in search of better tools. Instead, he recommended mastering the systems already in use and ensuring proper privacy and cybersecurity safeguards are in place, stressing the importance of setting clear boundaries for data protection.

Lelio shared that he has trained AI tools to “speak like him” and uses them to support research in the aviation equipment market.