FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. announced a new collaboration with WestJet Airlines and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This endeavour will advance weather forecasting and severe weather prediction in North America.
The partnership aims to bridge critical data gaps and improve the accuracy of weather models, ultimately enhancing public safety and resource management.
WestJet’s Role in Data Collection
WestJet will play a pivotal role in this initiative by providing NOAA with valuable data. The carrier will record humidity, temperature, and wind observations from their Pacific routes.
FLYHT will install its advanced weather solutions on five WestJet aircraft to facilitate data collection. Engineers will fit out three Boeing 737 MAX and two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft for the task.
These installations will feature FLYHT-WVSS-II atmospheric water vapor sensors, which will continuously monitor environmental conditions during flight. The collected data will be transmitted in real time via FLYHT’s Edge multi channel WQAR and Certus SatCom. This will ensure timely delivery to NOAA.
The aircraft-based observations (ABO) will then be integrated into the National Mesonet Program. This will in turn provide NOAA with en-route data and valuable vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and moisture.
This data will be instrumental in filling gaps in NOAA’s existing observation systems. This is particularly so in the data-sparse region off the West Coast of the United States.
Benefit in Regions Prone to Extreme WX Events
By quantifying atmospheric moisture, NOAA can significantly improve forecasts for public safety and water resources communities.
This is especially critical in regions prone to extreme weather events, such as flooding and heavy snowfall. The enhanced forecasting capabilities will enable authorities to better prepare for and respond to these events, minimizing their impact on lives and property.
Partnership Perspectives
Murray Skelton, VP of Business Development and Weather Solutions at FLYHT, expressed his excitement for the partnership. He emphasized WestJet’s ideal route coverage for addressing data gaps.
“WestJet is a forward-thinking organization that flies over data-sparse regions of the Pacific Ocean. This makesthem an invaluable partner in this initiative,” Skelton stated.
Scott Wilson, WestJet’s vice-president of Operations, echoed Skelton’s enthusiasm. He highlighted the importance of this collaboration for improving safety and fuel efficiency.
“By enhancing weather forecasting accuracy, we can optimize our flight planning. This will lead to safer operations and reduced fuel consumption,” Wilson explained.
Curtis Marshall, director of the NWS Commercial Data Program and chair of the WMO Expert Team on Aircraft Based Observations, praised the partnership for its potential to revolutionize weather forecasting.
“The installation of water vapor sensors on these aircraft marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve weather prediction in the Pacific region,” Marshall said. “The additional data will be invaluable in enhancing our models and providing more accurate forecasts.”
This collaboration between FLYHT, WestJet, and NOAA represents a significant step forward in advancing weather forecasting technology.
By combining the expertise and resources of these organizations, they are working towards a future where weather-related risks can be more effectively mitigated, protecting lives and property.
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