DUBAI : With turbulence incidents on the rise worldwide due to changing weather patterns, Emirates has adopted a multi-layered data strategy that merges insights from advanced aviation platforms to better forecast and navigate turbulent zones.
The airline’s system combines three complementary tools, SkyPath, Lido mPilot from Lufthansa Systems, and IATA’s Turbulence Aware platform, to deliver live weather insights, data-sharing between airlines, and predictive analytics to flight crews.
SkyPath employs AI and machine learning to analyze turbulence data gathered from aircraft sensors, transponders, and even iPad accelerometers, helping detect “clear air” turbulence that is often invisible to radar. Meanwhile, Lido mPilot provides real-time global weather updates, including cloud formations and turbulence forecasts, boosting pilots’ situational awareness mid-flight. IATA’s Turbulence Aware aggregates live reports from global airlines, allowing Emirates pilots to access up-to-the-minute turbulence maps directly via their electronic flight bag.
Captain Hassan Alhammadi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at Emirates, said the initiative reflects the airline’s long-term investment in technology to strengthen safety and operational efficiency. “Our proactive use of AI and real-time data has already led to a marked reduction in severe turbulence encounters,” he noted.
By sharing its data through IATA’s global platform, Emirates is also contributing to broader aviation efforts to refine turbulence forecasting and promote safer skies worldwide.
To combat rising turbulence incidents, Emirates has implemented a sophisticated data strategy using AI and platforms like SkyPath and Lido mPilot. This approach enhances pilots' situational awareness with real-time weather updates and predictive analytics, leading to fewer severe turbulence encounters and supporting global aviation safety initiatives.