IATA Enhances Turbulence Reporting with The Weather Company for Safer Flights

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a significant enhancement to its Turbulence Aware data transmission, partnering with The Weather Company to bolster aviation safety and efficiency. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement for the airline industry, particularly for the majority of North American commercial airlines and numerous global operators who rely on The Weather Company for aviation solutions.

This enhanced data integration will allow participating airlines to access Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) turbulence information, a critical metric for measuring atmospheric turbulence intensity recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The initiative aims to streamline the process of obtaining turbulence observations, enabling pilots, dispatchers, and flight planners to access essential information directly within their mission-critical applications. This consolidation of data sources is expected to significantly improve operational decision-making and flight safety.

Turbulence, a leading cause of in-flight injuries and increased operational costs, poses significant challenges to crew and passenger safety, route planning, and overall customer satisfaction. The collaboration between IATA and The Weather Company seeks to mitigate these impacts by combining real-time turbulence data with advanced forecasting techniques. This approach not only enhances flight safety but also contributes to fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions by enabling optimal flight path selection and turbulence avoidance.

Launched in 2018, IATA's Turbulence Aware platform was developed to help airlines manage the adverse effects of turbulence more effectively. By pooling anonymized EDR turbulence data from thousands of flights operated by participating airlines, the platform offers an unprecedented level of insight into atmospheric conditions. Currently, 21 airlines contribute to the Turbulence Aware Platform, with over 2,000 aircraft providing daily data. In 2023 alone, the initiative generated more than 380 million turbulence observations, contributing to safer and more comfortable travel for over 700 million passengers.

Ravi Vanmali, head of aviation at The Weather Company, emphasized the growing importance of integrating accurate, real-time weather data into aviation decision-making processes, especially in the context of climate change's impact on weather patterns. Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products & Services, highlighted the goal of simplifying access to turbulence-related data for the industry. By integrating Turbulence Aware data into existing flight deck and flight planning applications, the initiative promises to significantly enhance the industry's ability to manage turbulence effectively.

As the aviation sector continues to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and its impact on weather patterns, initiatives like the enhanced Turbulence Aware platform stand as critical tools in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in the face of increasing atmospheric instability.