Overcoming Challenges in Scaling Interoperable Modeling Practices in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry is a complex ecosystem characterized by diverse expertise, processes and tools that require seamless data exchange and interoperability. Despite the potential of semantic technologies to improve interoperability, their widespread adoption remains limited. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing an organized semantic modeling methodology anchored in the LOT framework and based on the ISO/IEC 81346 RDS (Reference Designation System) standard, providing a structured common vocabulary across the industry. The methodology aims to equip subject matter experts with modeling services that guide semantic modeling choices. These services then ensure well designed models with proper validation by domain experts, even without modeling experience. Resulting models should be interoperable across domains and applications. We present an illustrative use case of this method based on European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standard mapped with an application ontology thanks to a Common Language (CL) based on RDS. Furthermore, we present GuessIt, a tagging tool designed to promote digital continuity by helping users to tag knowledge with the CL. This tool was integrated into an internal industrial application and evaluated through an experimental use case. Finally, we present current and future work including the formalization of a framework and the exploration of generative AI applications to further support the semantic modeling steps. We also emphasize the necessary engagement with industry stakeholders to enrich the work done, thus advancing interoperability within the aerospace sector.