Emirates has introduced a new artificial intelligence system designed to predict turbulence on its flights, as airlines contend with more frequent and severe air disturbances linked to climate change.

Turbulence can be difficult to anticipate because it often does not appear on cockpit radar and may be caused by localized air currents that are too small for standard weather models to detect. Clear-air turbulence, in particular, has worsened in recent decades as global warming alters air currents, increasing the risk of bumps on busy flight routes such as the North Atlantic.

While deaths from turbulence remain rare, serious injuries have occurred. Between 2009 and 2021, 146 passengers and crew were seriously hurt in turbulence incidents. Last year alone, turbulence caused one death on a Singapore Airlines flight from London and multiple injuries on a Qatar Airways flight to Dublin.

The Emirates AI system combines machine-learning algorithms with real-time flight data to identify areas of turbulence along flight paths. It integrates multiple data streams, including aircraft measurements and reports from other flights, to generate real-time turbulence forecasts for pilots.

Pilots can view these forecasts on their electronic flight bags, allowing them to adjust altitude or routing to avoid turbulent areas whenever possible. Emirates reports that since deploying the technology, unexpected encounters with severe turbulence have declined significantly across its network.

Experts say airlines will increasingly need such advanced tools as turbulence grows more frequent and severe due to climate change, which not only affects passenger comfort and safety but also contributes to aircraft wear and operational costs. Reducing exposure to rough air is emerging as a key operational priority for carriers navigating an increasingly turbulent sky. (ILKHA)