Fly me into the ash cloud

While bigger airlines today are coming up with different ideas on how to equip their planes with in-flight WiFi, one small low-cost airline is testing new technology to help detect ash clouds within 100 kilometres in range.

This is after Europe’s infamous case of airspace closures as a result of an Icelandic volcano eruption.

Why the need for that? For starters, Eyjafjallajokull has yet to cease erupting, al beit with less significant and disruptive consequences. However, ash cloud issues won’t disappear anytime soon, especially through the rest of the summer and into autumn. We can’t also assume that other volcanoes, dormant or active, won’t follow suit, especially when the earth’s climate is shifting so rapidly.

EasyJet is a British-based airline which ranks only slightly above its rival, Ryanair. However, it is spending almost US$1.5 million to equip its planes with AVOID, the “Airborne Volcanic Object Identifier and Detector”. The gadget works similar to weather detection systems for thunderstorms, but it is specifically targeted to ash clouds.

AVOID works best with many airlines using it up in the air, and it will not be useful unless other airlines are willing to take on this gadget. But a big thumbs-up to EasyJet. If I had to make a choice, I’ll sacrifice that bit of WiFi goodness for a safe journey anytime.

via