At Aerospace Tech Week Americas, Mahesh Harvu, Industry Transformation Advisor, Manufacturing and Mobility Industry, Microsoft will be speaking on connected aerospace, exploring how connected aircraft will elevate the industry.
With artificial intelligence (AI) playing a critical role in enhancing safety, efficiency, and innovation, the discussion will unpack practical insights into how companies can leverage this advanced technology to drive progress.
Drawing on his extensive experience with industry transformation, Harvu will be bringing this expertise to the panel alongside speakers from GE Aviation, Bombardier, and Intelsat.
Ahead of the event, Harvu shared some insight into the upcoming session and his view on the current landscape.
1.Tell us a bit about yourself and your role within Microsoft
I lead Industry Transformation for some of Microsoft’s largest Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense Customers. My focus is on developing strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by these companies.
Working with customers on industry transformation is a passion of mine, and I’ve dedicated most of my career to this field. At Microsoft, I have the flexibility to focus on developing tailored strategies supported by the Microsoft ecosystem and the solutions we bring to make these transformations real.
As a passionate advocate for AI adoption, I lead initiatives that harness the power of AI and Generative AI to leverage data-driven approaches to optimize operations, reduce costs, and elevate safety standards
My strength lies in aligning with customers on a mission and joint outcomes, and then putting together an execution road map.
- The aerospace industry is evolving rapidly – what is one recent development that you find particularly exciting?
I am seeing unprecedented growth and rapid convergence in the industry. As a result, the need for data sharing is more important than ever. The aerospace industry now requires an integrated digital system linking airlines, airframers, aerospace OEMs (engine manufacturers), suppliers, and MROs (maintenance, repair, and operations services). Managing this integration effectively is only possible using AI and leveraging data.
An integrated digital system of Airlines, Airframers, Aerospace OEM’s, MROs, and Suppliers all must come together to drive traceability and deliver secure operations. Advanced technologies, like AI, are essential for automating tasks such as managing policy and leasing documents, ensuring maintenance checklists are completed before takeoff, and enhancing traceability.
Traceability, in particular, is crucial. It allows us to track a part’s journey—from its origin to its installation and maintenance—thanks to AI. Without AI, it would be nearly impossible to know where a part came from or who maintained it. This technology enables us to integrate these capabilities, ensuring efficient and secure operations in the aerospace industry.
- What are some key projects or initiatives in the works that are influencing the landscape?
Key needle movers in the industry are flight optimization, maintenance efficiency and integrated operations. And fueling this is data and digital software on AI.
Simply put, data and digital software on AI is the new fuel driving the aerospace and defense industry. This new fuel is essential for enabling safe and secure operations, which is our primary focus. Ensuring these operations are safe and secure is crucial. Once we achieve that, we turn our attention to optimizing various facets of the industry. This includes optimizing aircraft routes, engine maintenance, and product development life cycles. By leveraging this new fuel, we enhance these capabilities significantly. Additionally, we can focus on optimizing field service response and worker productivity, further driving efficiency and innovation in the industry.
- Your session at Aerospace Tech Week Americas focuses on connected aircraft – what themes should the audience look out for in this discussion?
We are at a pivotal moment at the intersection of AI and aerospace, as advanced air mobility is now a reality thanks to advances in AI. The discussion will cover the power of AI and how natural language processing can enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation. We’ll explore how new technology is rapidly influencing the industry and ways companies are using it today.
- What are you most looking forward to about the event (aside from your own session)?
I’m excited to see how the agenda provides sessions for a practitioner to execute. I think it’s important for leaders of Aerospace and Defense to share their innovative thinking and practical insights. Overall, I think the event should help accelerate the industry.
To watch Harvu’s sessions and hear from industry leading innovators, book your ticket for free here.
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