EVA Air joins IATA's Turbulence Aware Platform to enhance flight safety

New Delhi, June 2 (CNA) Taiwan-based EVA Air has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to join its Turbulence Aware platform, aiming to improve flight safety through real-time data sharing.

"We believe that joining Turbulence Aware will help pilots and dispatchers to analyze real-time data, plan and choose appropriate flight paths to avoid areas with higher turbulence risks, and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft," EVA Air President Clay Sun (孫嘉明) said on Monday.

The agreement was signed by Sun and IATA Director General Willie Walsh on Sunday during IATA's three-day annual general meeting held in New Delhi. Sun noted that turbulence has become more frequent due to climate change, posing an increasing challenge to flight safety and operations.

"Although technology is becoming more advanced, turbulence is still one of the most difficult weather conditions to predict," Sun said, explaining that mild turbulence may cause an aircraft to shake, while severe turbulence can cause structural damage to the aircraft.

Walsh welcomed EVA Air's inclusion, adding that the partnership will enhance the capabilities of crew and dispatchers around the world to improve flight safety, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

"With the data reported by each airline, we can provide flight crews and dispatchers with a clearer picture, making the platform more helpful in reducing the impact of turbulence," Walsh said.

According to Walsh, participating airlines generated a total of 51.8 million turbulence reports in 2024, a 35 percent increase from 2023, which he said will be very beneficial in reducing the damage caused by turbulence.

After EVA Air's participation, the platform will include 28 airlines sharing reports from over 2,700 aircraft. Once the platform compiles the data, it delivers real-time turbulence information to pilots through images, enabling them to make timely route adjustments and avoid affected areas.

EVA Air said it will initially employ a total of 33 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to participate in collecting and reporting data.