The increasing frequency and intensity of turbulence has become a constant challenge for commercial aviation. Aware of this, Emirates has adopted a proactive, data-driven approach to reduce unexpected encounters with severe turbulence and provide safer, more comfortable flights for passengers and crew.
Over the past year, the airline has implemented a multi-layered strategy that integrates diverse information sources and meteorological prediction tools. The result: a significant decrease in unforeseen turbulence incidents across its entire route network.
“We recognize that turbulence remains a challenge that cannot be eliminated entirely, but we are committed to minimizing unexpected encounters by adopting advanced technologies and using artificial intelligence,” said Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Emirates.
“Although we are in the early stages, we are already seeing concrete benefits from these systems, which contribute to enhancing safety and our customers’ experience.”
Technology and Collaboration: The Core of the New System
The airline combines three key tools that, together, form an innovative configuration for turbulence detection and prediction:
SkyPath: Artificial Intelligence to Anticipate Invisible Turbulence
In partnership with SkyPath, Emirates developed a weather prediction system powered by AI and machine learning that identifies areas of turbulence which conventional methods miss.
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SkyPath merges data from Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) – the universal standard for turbulence measurement – ADS-B signals, and patented accelerometer technology in iPads that converts the device’s motion into precise measurements.
The system analyzes thousands of reports from aircraft around the world in real time, achieving global coverage and an industry-leading level of accuracy, even in areas with no air traffic or in clear-air turbulence.
Lido mPilot: Advanced Weather Prediction
A long-standing collaboration with Lufthansa Systems has allowed Emirates to utilize the Lido mPilot application, a customized mobile navigation tool that integrates detailed weather forecasts.
Through sources like the German Weather Service, Lido mPilot provides live data on cloud cover, convection, turbulence, and icing, increasing pilots’ situational awareness.
The airline works continuously with the Lido team to optimize data quality and global coverage.
IATA Turbulence Aware: Real-Time International Cooperation
Since joining the IATA Turbulence Aware program, Emirates both contributes to and consumes turbulence information generated by airlines worldwide.
This global system collects and shares atmospheric data in real time, allowing for a comprehensive view of weather conditions.
Emirates pilots can visualize this information directly in their Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), facilitating strategic decision-making in the cockpit to avoid turbulence areas, improve operational safety, and optimize fuel consumption.
With these initiatives, Emirates not only enhances its passengers’ flight experience but also actively contributes to industry progress by generating and sharing data that helps understand and confront a growing meteorological phenomenon.
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