IATA expands turbulence aware platform
The Turbulence Aware platform helps Improve flight safety and efficiency
In a significant step towards enhancing flight safety and efficiency, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is announcing that two major airlines, ANA and WestJet, have joined its Turbulence Aware Platform. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting.
Launched in 2018, Turbulence Aware strives to support airlines in minimizing the effects of turbulence, a major contributor to passenger and crew injuries, as well as rising fuel expenses. Through the collaborative effort of multiple airlines, the platform collects anonymous turbulence data from thousands of flights. Delivering precise and up-to-date information to pilots and dispatchers, it empowers them to choose the most favourable flight routes, sidestepping turbulence and optimizing fuel usage. Ultimately, this initiative leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions, promoting a greener environment.
“Accurate and timely data empowers crews to improve safety by avoiding turbulence. The more contributors we have, the more everyone benefits. The addition of ANA and WestJet enhances our coverage, especially in Asia Pacific and North America,” said William Walsh, Director General of the IATA, in a June 6 press release.
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, the challenge of managing turbulence is expected to grow. The Turbulence Aware platform represents a significant advancement in turbulence reporting and helps to reduce excess fuel consumption, addressing both safety and efficiency concerns in flight operations.
Currently, the IATA Turbulence Aware Platform has 20 participating airlines, with over 1,900 aircraft providing data on a daily basis. In 2022 alone, the platform generated a total of 31 million reports.
ANA will initially contribute data from its 737 aircraft. However, the company has plans to expand its data provision to include the rest of its fleet in the future.
Meanwhile, WestJet is already capturing data from 24 aircraft and has ambitious plans to expand this coverage to 60 aircraft over the next three years.
To facilitate further collaboration among airlines and engage with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other solution providers, IATA has organized a Turbulence Aware User Forum. This forum will take place at the WestJet Campus in Calgary, Canada from June 19 to 20, 2023. It provides a platform for stakeholders to share feedback, discuss industry challenges, and explore potential solutions to improve turbulence management and flight safety.
