**AI in Travel: A Growing Trend** The travel industry is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI), from initial itinerary searches to real-time airport and cockpit operations. A recent study by Amadeus, "Global Mobility Trends Decoded, Traveler Insights 2026," found that 68% of travelers are willing to use AI-based travel assistants for route suggestions and bookings, with 33% "very likely" to do so. Only 13% express reluctance, confirming AI's swift integration into daily travel habits. This openness extends across the entire journey: over 80% appreciate personalized recommendations before and during travel, and nearly 80% value post-trip assistance like targeted loyalty offers. "AI is redefining traveler expectations faster than any other trend, especially in mobility," notes Peter Altmann, Vice President of Mobility and Travel Protection at Amadeus. **Data Sharing for Personalization** To achieve these tailored experiences, travelers are increasingly willing to share personal data. Nearly half (47%) would provide driver's license details upfront to speed up car rentals, while 42% would share trip details and 40% passport or ID information for efficiency. In France, this trend is even stronger: 92% are ready to share personal data with AI to avoid queues, and 95% book additional services beyond car rentals, most often accommodation and flights. The demand for a seamless "door-to-door" experience includes unified ticketing and real-time personalized route recommendations. Major players like Amadeus, Expedia, and SITA are launching AI solutions across hotels, distribution platforms, and airline operations. **Industry Innovations** Amadeus is expanding its AI strategy in hospitality with tools to help hotels capture demand on emerging AI channels and Amadeus Max, an AI assistance platform optimizing workflows. It also launched Performance Manager – AI Search to improve hotel visibility in AI-generated results and an AI booking assistant for iHotelier sites. Expedia Group B2B introduced the Intelligent Experience Platform, a modular AI toolkit for creating complete travel experiences via a single connection, along with new merchandising APIs and an AI-enhanced advertising portal. SITA highlights OptiFlight, which uses machine learning and digital twins to recommend fuel-efficient climb and cruise profiles to pilots. It also deploys AI-powered Total Airport Management at airports like Toronto Pearson and Abu Dhabi, plus WorldTracer Auto Reflight for automated baggage re-routing. SITA notes its Maestro DCS remained operational during a global software outage, and it provided 24/7 support and automated incident management during Hajj 2025. **The Human Element Endures** Despite these advances, the human touch remains crucial. "Why invest in physical agencies in the age of the internet and AI? Because our clients need human contact, simply put," says Philippe Taïeb, President of travel agency Jancarthier. He emphasizes that vacations are "sacred moments"—anniversaries, honeymoons, bachelorette parties—where clients want reassurance and cannot afford mistakes. Geopolitical events like the pandemic and wars have shown how indispensable human presence is. For ATPL and ATC students, this means while AI will handle routine tasks, professionals must excel in crisis management, empathy, and decision-making—skills no algorithm can fully replace.