TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — EVA Air announced Monday it has joined the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Turbulence Aware platform, aiming to improve flight safety through real-time turbulence data sharing.

With climate change increasing both the frequency and severity of turbulence, EVA Air said the initiative will help pilots and dispatchers plan safer flight paths and avoid high-risk areas, per CNA. The airline will begin by equipping 33 of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to transmit turbulence data to the platform.

EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) said turbulence remains difficult to predict despite advances in aviation technology and can pose serious safety risks, per UDN. Even mild turbulence causes discomfort, while more severe incidents can damage aircraft and threaten passenger safety.

By joining the platform, EVA gains access to a global turbulence data pool updated in real time. This enables more responsive in-flight adjustments and better route planning, improving both safety and fuel efficiency.

In 2023, the Turbulence Aware platform logged 51.8 million turbulence reports—a 35% increase from the previous year. The network currently includes 28 airlines and over 2,700 aircraft contributing live data.

IATA represents approximately 350 airlines worldwide, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. EVA Air has long been a member of the association.