Generative AI-Powered Aerial Access Networks: Recent Studies and Future Outlook

Aerial access networks (AANs), comprising un-manned aerial vehicles (UAV), high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are rapidly emerging as a critical component of next-generation communication systems. Their dynamic nature, heterogeneous composition, and vast coverage area pose significant challenges for network management and optimization. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), renowned for its ability to generate new content, offers a promising solution to these challenges. In this paper, we explore the applications of GenAI in AANs in recent studies. We also identify key challenges and outline promising research directions.