This book discusses megatrends and subsequently applies them to the air transport industry from a legal, ethical and economic perspective. Starting with a detailed discussion on what these megatrends are, the book provides an essential overview of megatrends and air transport, including analytical discussions on how megatrends could affect basic issues such as nationalism and sovereignty, market access in air transport, and commercial space transport. It also delves into the rights of the airline passenger as affected by megatrends. Further, the book analyses a broad range of topics, including: the digital transformation of air transport; technology and air transport; robotic pilots and their legal ramifications; the human-robot interface and the law with focus on the pilot; cognitive computing; and issues of empowerment and connectivity. It discusses in detail United Nations initiatives and initiatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization, considering aspects such as: the new world order; e-trends and air transport; apps that make air travel easier; and apps designed to help the aviation authorities. Further topics include artificial intelligence and air transport and related technical, ethical and economic issues, as well as a legal inquiry into manufacturer’s defects; design defects; and liability for failure to warn of defects. Questions are posed and answers provided on the effects of artificial intelligence and legal issues stemming from its use in air transport. Two major discussions follow on millennials and air transport, and on the Internet of everything as related to air transport. The conclusion ties in megatrends with air transport and offers the industry a way forward for adapting to these trends.

“Each chapter contains extensive footnotes and a list of references. A table of court cases is included, as well as a comprehensive index. Chapters are divided into easily identified subparts for quick reference. This study is worthy of attention by anyone thinking about the future of law, technology, and human wants and needs. It is much more than the movement of people and products from point A to point B.” (Brad Reid, Computing Reviews, July, 2018)​

Dr. Ruwantissa Abeyratne has worked in the field of aviation law and management for thirty four years. He is currently President/CEO of Global Aviation Consultancies Inc., and Senior Associate, Air Law and Policy at Aviation Strategies International, both of which are consultancies headquartered in Montreal.At retirement from the International Civil Aviation Organization after 23 years of service at various senior positions in air transport and air law, Dr. Abeyratne was Coordinator, Air transport Programmes as well as Senior Legal Officer, heading the Treaty Office of ICAO. He also advised States on their registration and depository obligations with regard to international treaties and their adherence thereto and was General Counsel for ICAO staff members. Prior to his service at ICAO, Dr. Abeyratne was, for 8 years at Airlanka, serving the airline as Chief Coordinator and Head of International Relations and Insurance. Dr. Abeyratne, holds the degree of doctor of civil laws (DCL) from McGill University, the degree of doctor of philosophy (PhD) from the University of Colombo, the degree of master of laws (LL.M) from Monash University, Victoria, Australia, and the degree of bachelor of laws (LL.B) from the University of Colombo.