Emirates has implemented a comprehensive system to predict and prevent turbulence, enhancing flight safety and efficiency. The system integrates data from multiple sources, including the German Meteorological Service, and utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze real-time information.
Pilots gain access to precise and updated navigational data, including information on cloud conditions, thermal activity, probability of turbulence, and icing. This enables them to proactively adjust flight paths, thereby improving safety and fuel efficiency.
Captain Hassan Al-Hammadi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President of Operations, stated: "We recognize that turbulence is a persistent challenge that cannot be entirely avoided. However, we are committed to doing everything in our power to minimize unexpected encounters with it by collaborating with partners who share our vision of employing advanced technology and AI to improve operations".
The system is based on a community model that gathers instantaneous reports from thousands of flights, providing forecasts for regions not currently experiencing aerial activity. Data is delivered to pilots through multiple channels, including Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) reports, Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data, and SkyPath's acceleration-measuring technology on iPads.
This approach has contributed to reducing the number of cases of unexpected severe turbulence across Emirates' flight network. The airline also partners with Lido to develop a customized navigation application and actively participates in the IATA Turbulence Aware program, contributing data from its extensive networks in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
