On November 5th, the TARA Project held its second reference group meeting online via Microsoft Teams. The meeting brought together participants from across the aviation industry to share updates and exchange ideas about the project’s progress.

For those unfamiliar, the TARA Project is a three-year collaboration between Uppsala University and TYA, funded by AFA Insurance. It focuses on exploring how automation, digital tools, and AI can be introduced into aviation while ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. The ultimate goal is to create practical methods that the industry can use when adopting new technologies.


Key Topics Discussed

The meeting agenda covered several important areas:

  1. Stakeholder Study
    The team shared insights from interviews with various stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in airport operations. Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing safety, efficiency, and collaboration to ensure that these changes benefit everyone involved.
  2. Ground Staff Study
    Updates on this study focused on how new tools and systems are shaping the daily work of ground-handling staff. While new technologies can improve processes, they also come with challenges that need to be addressed to support workers effectively.
  3. Encouraging Participation in Surveys
    With an upcoming survey as part of the project, participants shared strategies for increasing response rates. Engaging with the industry and making the process straightforward for participants were some key takeaways.
  4. Looking at Global Trends
    The group explored trends in aviation technology and discussed what they might mean for the industry, from automation to sustainability. These conversations emphasized the importance of preparing for the future while keeping workplace well-being a top priority.

What’s Next?

This meeting showcased the value of open dialogue and collaboration in tackling the challenges of technology adoption in aviation. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the TARA Project aims to create tools and methods that ensure both safe and efficient integration of new technologies.

A big thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to these important discussions. We’re excited to keep building on this work and seeing where it takes us!