Senior First Officer Vanina Pinto discusses the future of aviation, the rise of Artificial Intelligence, and why pilots will continue to play a central role in flight safety.
By Dr. Adrian Leonard Mociulschi — Special for Nine O’Clock
Aviation has always been shaped by technology, from the earliest long-distance flights to today’s sophisticated flight decks. But for Vanina Pinto, Senior First Officer at TAP Air Portugal, the future of aviation will not be a story of machines replacing pilots. It will be a story of increasingly advanced tools working alongside uniquely human qualities: judgement, responsibility and trust.
Adrian Leonard Mociulschi: When people picture a pilot, they often imagine someone primarily flying the airplane. But modern cockpits are highly automated. How has technology changed the job?
Vanina Pinto: Modern technology has transformed the role of airline pilots considerably. Today, we have access to far more information and can make decisions based on highly accurate, constantly updated data.
From flight planning and weather information to navigation, aircraft systems and electronic documentation, technology has made many aspects of our work more efficient and safer. Electronic flight bags, for example, have largely replaced the paper documentation pilots once carried, while modern avionics provide a much clearer picture of an aircraft’s status and its operating environment.
At the same time, technology has changed the pilot’s role. We are no longer simply flying the aircraft. A significant part of our job involves monitoring systems, interpreting information, managing automation and maintaining situational awareness. The challenge is ensuring that technology remains a tool that supports the pilot rather than something the pilot becomes overly dependent on.
Adrian Leonard Mociulschi: Modern aircraft can do more than ever before. But what still depends on the pilot rather than the technology?
Vanina Pinto: I believe some of the most important parts of being a pilot cannot be easily automated: judgement, decision-making, communication and adaptability.
A flight rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Weather changes, technical issues arise, air traffic conditions evolve, and sometimes we must make decisions under time pressure and with incomplete information. In those moments, experience and the ability to see the bigger picture become essential.
There is also the human side of aviation. Pilots must communicate effectively with one another, with cabin crews, air traffic controllers and, indirectly, with passengers. Good Crew Resource Management depends on trust, communication and the ability to recognise when something does not seem right.
For me, being a good pilot is not simply about operating an aircraft correctly. It is about understanding the situation, anticipating what may come next and making the safest possible decision for everyone on board.
Adrian Leonard Mociulschi: : As AI becomes more capable, what do you think the balance between human judgement and machine assistance will look like in the cockpit of the future?
Vanina Pinto: I don’t see AI replacing pilots anytime soon. Rather, I see it becoming another powerful tool in the cockpit.
AI could assist pilots by processing enormous amounts of information, identifying patterns, predicting potential risks and helping with decision-making. It could potentially act as an additional layer of support, particularly in complex or abnormal situations.
However, I believe the role of the pilot will remain fundamentally important. Aviation is not only about analysing data; it is also about judgement, responsibility and dealing with situations that may not have been anticipated by a computer.
The most interesting development, in my opinion, will be the relationship between human judgement and artificial intelligence. The pilots of the future may need to be as good at understanding and challenging AI recommendations as they currently are at understanding aircraft automation.
Ultimately, I believe the safest future is not human versus AI, but human and AI working together, with the pilot retaining the final responsibility and authority for the operation of the flight.
Adrian Leonard Mociulschi: : For young people considering a career in aviation, what qualities matter most, and what advice would you give them as they begin that journey?
Vanina Pinto: My first advice would be this: pursue aviation because you genuinely love it, not simply because you like the idea of being a pilot.
It is an incredibly rewarding career, but it also demands discipline, commitment and resilience. The path to becoming an airline pilot can be challenging, and there will inevitably be moments of doubt and setbacks.
I would also encourage young people to build strong technical knowledge while recognising the importance of interpersonal skills. Communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence and the ability to remain calm under pressure are just as important in the cockpit as technical competence.
Most importantly, stay curious and never stop learning. Aviation is constantly evolving, and being a good pilot means accepting that there will always be something new to learn.
If flying is truly what you want to do, do not let the difficulty of the journey discourage you. Prepare well, stay persistent and enjoy the process.
Adrian Leonard Mociulschi: Ms. Pinto, thank you for your time and for sharing your experience with our readers. It was a pleasure speaking with you. We wish you continued success, safe flights and clear skies.
Vanina Pinto, Senior First Officer at TAP Air Portugal
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