Airlines Consider Turbulence Prediction Technology After Recent Incidents

Following severe turbulence incidents on Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways flights, resulting in dozens of injuries and one death, airlines are reevaluating safety measures and considering adopting turbulence prediction technology.

The adoption of turbulence prediction technology has significant implications for the aviation industry and passenger safety. If implemented effectively, it could reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities resulting from turbulence, making air travel safer for millions of people worldwide.

On May 21, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 encountered sudden extreme turbulence over Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet, leading to the death of a 73-year-old British passenger and injuring dozens. The Boeing 777-300ER had to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, with 48 passengers and two crew members hospitalized, 20 of whom remained in intensive care.

Just days later, Qatar Airways Flight QR017 experienced severe turbulence over Turkey, injuring 12 passengers. These incidents have prompted airline executives to discuss the adoption of advanced technologies to predict and mitigate turbulence.

Singapore Airlines has responded by implementing stricter cabin procedures, including halting in-flight meal services and ensuring crew members are seated and strapped in when the seatbelt sign is on. Emirates is also exploring turbulence prediction technology, joining the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Turbulence Aware Platform, which provides real-time turbulence information and forecasts.

IATA's Turbulence Aware Platform, launched in 2020, has generated approximately 150 million reports from 21 participating airlines. The platform collects real-time data from aircraft and sends warnings to other connected aircraft about the severity of turbulence. Emirates has integrated this program with its Lido mPilot mobile route guidance solution.

The aviation industry has seen an increase in turbulence incidents, although severe turbulence remains rare. Nick Careen, IATA's senior vice-president for operations, safety, and security, stated, 'There is no silver bullet when it comes to turbulence. But more information, more data will definitely improve the situation.'

Climate change has been cited as a potential factor in the increase of turbulence. Research by the University of Reading suggests that severe turbulence hours over the Atlantic Ocean have increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020. However, IATA's Nick Careen noted that there is no conclusive evidence linking climate change to an increase in turbulence incidents.

In response to the Singapore Airlines incident, Emirates President Tim Clark stated that the airline already has 'some fairly strict protocols' to deal with turbulence and that the industry will be 'fairly vigilant' following the recent events. RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo emphasized the importance of enforcing standard operating procedures and ensuring passenger compliance with safety directives.

The adoption of turbulence prediction technology and stricter safety measures highlight the industry's commitment to improving passenger safety and mitigating the risks associated with turbulence. As airlines continue to explore advanced technologies and refine their protocols, the focus remains on ensuring a safer and more comfortable flying experience for all passengers.

Key Takeaways

• Airlines consider adopting turbulence prediction technology after recent incidents.
• Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways flights experienced severe turbulence, resulting in injuries and one death.
• IATA's Turbulence Aware Platform provides real-time turbulence data to participating airlines.
• Climate change may be a factor in increased turbulence, but evidence is inconclusive.
• Airlines are refining safety protocols and exploring advanced technologies to mitigate turbulence risks.