The Rise of Turbulence
It is no surprise that reports of inflight turbulence are increasing with climate change. To paint the picture, research suggests that severe turbulence has increased by 55% in the past 40 years due to the direct impact of global warming. Although the air may look calm, it’s always moving in different ways and the currents that cause the unsettling bumps can be felt by even the largest jets. After the tragic incident on a Singapore Airlines flight in May this year, the industry has felt a real need to address the rising concerns of turbulence in the sky.
A study from Reading University found that moderate to severe turbulence is encountered on aircraft 68,000 times a year. We know that weather is one of the key factors influencing turbulence and modern planes are equipped with radar systems to detect bumps in the journey before setting off. In fact, 75% of turbulence can be predicted up to 18 hours ahead of travel time. The issue lies in the unpredictable and invisible ‘clear air turbulence’ which is much more challenging to predict, even by satellites and onboard sensors. Pilots often rely on aircraft ahead of them on the same path to report this kind of turbulence, but this may not always be possible, for example, if you are the first flight of the day.
How will the industry reduce safety risks?
Research from Swansea University investigates how different species respond to lower altitudes and whether this can help meteorologists build better models to predict turbulence. The study explains that some species have adapted to deal with extreme turbulence and analysing these changes may inform aircraft design, especially of smaller aircraft. We may see similar studies influencing the next innovations for airlines.
Other ways the industry is preparing for the inevitable rise in turbulence is tapping into emerging technologies. Utilising the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) predictive tools to analyse and predict accidents, has already helped to reduce turbulence-related injuries to flight attendants by 40-50%. To enhance industry-wide safety, it is crucial for operators to invest in advanced technology and to ensure pilots and cabin crew receive thorough training, so they are confident in responding to episodes of turbulence.
We may see wider implementation of proactive measures such as more frequent communication from cabin crew throughout journeys. Encouraging passengers to wear their seat belts throughout flights as a precautionary safety measure will reduce risk of injury. An article in CNN explained the best way to reduce injury risk is to keep seatbelts on at all times.
Although global warming cannot be reversed, the aerospace industry is aware of the negative impact it has on the environment. In light of this, reaching net zero by 2050 is a priority for the entire industry and will only be possible if each aerospace organisation across the world plays its part.
At AIX 2024 in May, we took an exciting step by launching the very first sustainable emergency exit floor path marking system, af-Tglo eco E1™. The product is made using recycled materials and creates no forever plastics at end of life. The innovation is a small, yet critical step in the right direction towards net zero for the aerospace industry. Collectively, as an industry we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future.
Read more about saf-Tglo®eco E1™ at https://www.stgaerospace.com/products/emergency-floor-path-marking/saf-tglo-eco-e1