Emirati airline Etihad Airways has been confirmed as the latest airline to join the IATA Turbulence Aware Programme. This adds to the programme’s arsenal in creating more awareness of identifying and responding to turbulence in the air.
What Joining This Programme Means for Etihad
The programme aims to collect data on turbulence from participating airlines so that flight crews can minimise its effects.
With the collection of this information, airlines can make smarter and more efficient decisions when tackling turbulence. This will bring many benefits, including an increase in passenger comfort and more efficient operations.
Interim Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, had this to say about the development:
“As part of our commitment to safety, we are pleased to join IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme and leverage our extensive network and fleet to support the industry in effectively managing turbulence. With real-time, accurate data, pilots can effectively navigate turbulence resulting in smoother journeys.”
A Little About the IATA Turbulence Aware Programme
Turbulence encountered on aircraft is on the rise, and it is becoming increasingly noticed by both passengers and crew. This is where the programme comes in, as it allows for airlines to gather data on turbulence encountered in the air.
To date, over 2,600 aircraft have become equipped to collect data on turbulence thanks to the Turbulence Aware Programme. 2024 saw around 54 million reports drawn out concerning turbulence, marking a generation of aircraft being able to report on this.
IATA Regional Vice-President, Africa and Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, commented on the programme:
“Access to accurate and timely turbulence data is essential for enhancing flight safety and passenger comfort. We welcome Etihad Airways’ participation in Turbulence Aware, which strengthens the industry’s ability to mitigate the impact of turbulence in real time. Their contribution will further improve global coverage, ensuring flight crews have the information they need to make safer and more efficient operational decisions.”
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