Thunderstorms, blustery squalls and violent hail showers – air traffic is also affected by inclement weather. The more accurate the weather forecast, however, the greater the surety with which flights can be planned.
Right around the clock, airlines receive via satellite the latest weather prognoses issued by national meteorological offices. Such data provides the criteria upon which flight routes are determined just hours before departure.
A flight from Frankfurt to New York , for instance, is not necessarily designated on the basis of least distance. More importantly, dispatchers must evaluate flight routes by factoring in anticipated weather conditions, such as high winds or zones affected by strong atmospheric turbulence.
To this end, dispatchers are supported most capably by means of a flight route planning system provided by Lufthansa Systems.
Prior to every flight, each pilot is briefed with all the important data relating to weather conditions. Where, for instance, the weather report indicates a strong headwind on a long-haul flight path, the route planning system computes this as a critical factor in assessing flight duration and fuel requirements.
Up-to-date meteorological data may also be requested during the flight. By means of a kind of telex, the pilot is able to access weather information supplied by any airport.
A pilot is therefore in a position to inform his passengers on an Atlantic flight in the midst of thick clouds: “Our New York destination is currently enjoying 24 degrees Celsius, a gentle south-westerly wind and a clear blue sky affording excellent visibility.”
Thanks to specially developed on-board software, Lufthansa Systems has made possible the storage of weather data and its transmission to meteorological offices, thus facilitating a continuous stream of weather information to all interested parties.
Countless airlines around the world now rely upon this uniquely innovative service.
