Experts from the University of Southampton have developed AI software to calculate the risk of planes being shot down.

This breakthrough software was designed by the Department of Decision Analytics and Risk at the Centre for Risk Research in the university.

It was created with the aim of eliminating bias and discrepancies in current methods for aviation risk assessment.

The software developers are now working in conjunction with Osprey Flight Solutions, a company that specialises in aviation security and risk management.

Their goal is to urge aviation companies worldwide to adopt this AI technology in their risk assessment processes.

This initiative coincides with the 10th anniversary of the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH17), an event that spurred aviation experts to devise better risk assessment methods.

On July 17, 2014, the flight MH17 was shot down by Russian-controlled forces over Ukraine.

This tragedy resulted in the death of all 298 passengers and crew on board.

The masterminds behind this new AI software are Mario Brito, professor of Risk Analysis and Management, and Stanislav Bukhman, a PhD student.

Professor Brito said: "Current methods for calculating risk associated with flying over conflict zones are based on matrices that rely on the expertise of those using them – and are subject to bias.

"Using AI would significantly enhance aviation safety.

"The method we have developed is easy to use, apply and understand."

This AI software operates by learning from past aviation security incidents, drawing connections between diverse elements such as conflict characteristics and geopolitical factors.

Such data allows it to determine the risk attached to various operational scenarios, thereby enabling civil airliners to make well-informed decisions about flight paths.

The CEO of Osprey Flight Solutions, Andrew Nicholson, said: "Distressingly, we have seen a misidentification and shoot down incident involving a civilian aircraft about once every six years on average.

"On top of this, there are other risks from drones and missiles, and there are many near-misses.

"So, the subject of aviation safety is a concern for everyone who gets in an aircraft, and it is absolutely critical that we can calculate risks to the best of our ability."