GenAI Policy

Journal of Airline Operations and Aviation Management (JAOAM)

The Journal of Airline Operations and Aviation Management recognizes the growing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies in academic research, operational modeling, aviation analytics, and manuscript preparation. While GenAI tools can enhance efficiency in drafting, coding, simulation support, and data visualization, their use introduces important considerations related to authorship accountability, data integrity, safety-critical accuracy, and transparency. This policy establishes the standards governing responsible GenAI use in submissions to JAOAM.

Permitted Use of GenAI

Authors may use GenAI tools as assistive technologies for:

• Language refinement and grammar correction

• Structural organization of manuscripts

• Code drafting or formatting assistance

• Preliminary data visualization support

• Summarization of non-confidential literature

However, GenAI must not replace substantive intellectual contribution. Research design, operational modeling assumptions, safety analysis, performance interpretation, regulatory assessment, and managerial conclusions must remain the responsibility of qualified human authors.

In aviation research particularly where safety, regulatory compliance, or operational performance is involved authors bear full responsibility for validating all AI-assisted outputs.

Authorship and Responsibility

Artificial intelligence systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires intellectual accountability, ethical responsibility, and the ability to defend the research findings standards that AI systems cannot meet.

If GenAI tools materially contributed to manuscript preparation, authors must include a clearly labeled “AI Usage Statement” describing:

1. The name and version of the tool used

2. The purpose of its use (e.g., language editing, simulation scripting support)

3. Confirmation that all outputs were verified, validated, and approved by the authors

Failure to disclose material AI assistance may be considered a violation of publication ethics.

Data Integrity and Operational Validity

Manuscripts submitted to JAOAM often involve:

• Airline operational data

• Performance modeling

• Safety analysis

• Regulatory evaluation

• Financial and risk assessments

GenAI tools must not be used to fabricate operational datasets, simulate results without disclosure, generate fictitious case studies, or create fabricated references. All empirical findings must originate from legitimate research methods and documented sources.

When AI tools are used to assist with simulation modeling, scheduling algorithms, demand forecasting, or operational analytics, authors must thoroughly validate model assumptions, output accuracy, and reproducibility. AI-generated code must be tested and documented.

Confidentiality and Proprietary Data

Aviation research frequently involves proprietary airline data, sensitive operational metrics, or regulatory information. Authors must not input confidential or proprietary data into public AI systems unless explicit authorization and compliance with legal agreements are ensured. Responsibility for data protection lies entirely with the authors.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

Given the safety-critical nature of aviation management, any AI-assisted analytical process must not compromise the accuracy, reliability, or regulatory compliance of reported findings. Misrepresentation of AI-generated results as independently validated findings constitutes serious misconduct.

Image, chart, or figure manipulation using AI in a way that alters technical interpretation is strictly prohibited.

Editorial Oversight and Compliance

The editorial board may request clarification regarding AI usage during peer review. The journal reserves the right to reject submissions or take corrective action where undisclosed or inappropriate AI use is identified. All AI-related concerns will be handled in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.

Commitment to Responsible Innovation

JAOAM supports scholarly research on artificial intelligence applications in aviation operations and management. However, the use of GenAI in manuscript preparation must remain transparent, ethically sound, and secondary to human expertise. Aviation research carries operational and safety implications; therefore, accountability must always reside with the authors.

By submitting to the Journal of Airline Operations and Aviation Management, authors confirm compliance with this Generative AI Policy and accept full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of their work.