Menu
04/06/2010
EasyJet Unveils New Ash Detector
EasyJet has unveiled a technology that will minimise future disruption from volcanic activity.
The firm will be the world's first airline to trial a new technology called AVOID (Airborne Volcanic Object Identifier and Detector). The system, essentially a weather radar for ash, was created by Dr Fred Prata of the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU). AVOID is a system that involves placing infrared technology onto an aircraft to supply images to both the pilots and an airline's flight control centre.
These images will enable pilots to see an ash cloud up to 100 km ahead of the aircraft and at altitudes between 5,000ft and 50,000ft. This will allow pilots to make adjustments to the plane's flight path to avoid any ash cloud. The concept is very similar to weather radars which are standard on commercial airliners today.
On the ground, information from aircraft with AVOID technology would be used to build an accurate image of the volcanic ash cloud using real time data. This would open up large areas of airspace that would otherwise be closed during a volcanic eruption, which would benefit passengers by minimising disruption.
EasyJet Chief Executive Andy Harrison, said: "This pioneering technology is the silver bullet that will make large-scale ash disruption history. The ash detector will enable our aircraft to see and avoid the ash cloud, just like airborne weather radars and weather maps make thunderstorms visible."
(CD/GK)
The firm will be the world's first airline to trial a new technology called AVOID (Airborne Volcanic Object Identifier and Detector). The system, essentially a weather radar for ash, was created by Dr Fred Prata of the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU). AVOID is a system that involves placing infrared technology onto an aircraft to supply images to both the pilots and an airline's flight control centre.
These images will enable pilots to see an ash cloud up to 100 km ahead of the aircraft and at altitudes between 5,000ft and 50,000ft. This will allow pilots to make adjustments to the plane's flight path to avoid any ash cloud. The concept is very similar to weather radars which are standard on commercial airliners today.
On the ground, information from aircraft with AVOID technology would be used to build an accurate image of the volcanic ash cloud using real time data. This would open up large areas of airspace that would otherwise be closed during a volcanic eruption, which would benefit passengers by minimising disruption.
EasyJet Chief Executive Andy Harrison, said: "This pioneering technology is the silver bullet that will make large-scale ash disruption history. The ash detector will enable our aircraft to see and avoid the ash cloud, just like airborne weather radars and weather maps make thunderstorms visible."
(CD/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2013
easyJet To Conduct Ash Cloud Experiment
Luton-based airline easyJet has flown a tonne of volcanic ash from Iceland as part of an experiment to test an aircraft warning system. The volcanic ash was collected by the Institute of Earth Sciences in Reykjavik and dried to create the consistency of fine talc. It will be used in a "unique experiment" which is planned for this summer.
easyJet To Conduct Ash Cloud Experiment
Luton-based airline easyJet has flown a tonne of volcanic ash from Iceland as part of an experiment to test an aircraft warning system. The volcanic ash was collected by the Institute of Earth Sciences in Reykjavik and dried to create the consistency of fine talc. It will be used in a "unique experiment" which is planned for this summer.
13 May 2010
Ash Clouds Thomas Cook's Profits
Thomas Cook is down by millions of pounds in profits following the continuing disruption caused by the Icelandic ash cloud. The travel firm has reported that disruption caused in April was costing £70m alone after the ash cloud grounded planes across Europe.
Ash Clouds Thomas Cook's Profits
Thomas Cook is down by millions of pounds in profits following the continuing disruption caused by the Icelandic ash cloud. The travel firm has reported that disruption caused in April was costing £70m alone after the ash cloud grounded planes across Europe.
11 May 2010
Flight Disruption Continues To Hit Travellers
There was limited volcanic ash disruption to flights to and from the UK today. Scores of UK air passengers are still facing further delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud that has halted many European flights. Flights to and from parts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands have been affected after the countries closed their airspace.
Flight Disruption Continues To Hit Travellers
There was limited volcanic ash disruption to flights to and from the UK today. Scores of UK air passengers are still facing further delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud that has halted many European flights. Flights to and from parts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands have been affected after the countries closed their airspace.
06 May 2010
UK Airports Open But How Long Will It Last?
Airports across the UK have reopened after the latest disruption to airspace caused by volcanic ash. The ash cloud moved west overnight and has cleared UK airspace, air traffic control body Nats said. Airspace over Scotland and Northern Ireland was shut overnight after levels of volcanic ash had made it too unsafe to fly.
UK Airports Open But How Long Will It Last?
Airports across the UK have reopened after the latest disruption to airspace caused by volcanic ash. The ash cloud moved west overnight and has cleared UK airspace, air traffic control body Nats said. Airspace over Scotland and Northern Ireland was shut overnight after levels of volcanic ash had made it too unsafe to fly.
26 May 2011
Flight Disruption Eases Off - 'Weekend Clear'
The volcano Grimsvötn has currently paused its eruptions and the Met Office modelling indicates that significant disruption between now and the end of the weekend is unlikely, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said.
Flight Disruption Eases Off - 'Weekend Clear'
The volcano Grimsvötn has currently paused its eruptions and the Met Office modelling indicates that significant disruption between now and the end of the weekend is unlikely, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
