Simple Flying spoke with Dan Slagen, the CMO of Tomorrow.io, to learn more about how airlines can benefit from weather-predicting tech. He notes that his company created the concept of weather intelligence several years ago and prides itself on pushing the limits of weather observations, modeling, and predictive insights through proprietary technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The firm is also in the process of launching its own satellites, intent on revolutionizing how the world and certainly the aviation industry will be able to forecast and understand the weather. It has worked with influential stakeholders across the aviation spectrum. Notably, it was awarded a $19.3 million contract from the US Air Force (USAF) to develop a constellation of weather satellites to provide the military with “three-dimensional global weather and ocean data.”

Airline advantages

We were interested to hear specifically about the commercial sector. In this space, the enterprise has helped JetBlue with its network-wide operations. All in all, over 40 million people fly with the airline each year. Thus, Tomorrow.io’s goal is to help JetBlue maintain an operationally efficient and innovative airline. So, passengers would be the beneficiaries of both during end-to-end travel.

Tomorrow.io
Photo: Tomorrow.io

Slagen explained that specific to JetBlue, Tomorrow.io started just at Boston Logan International Airport five years ago. Over the past few years, the company rapidly grown across all of JetBlue to tens of locations, then hundreds, and now all.

The New York-based airline recently announced that Tomorrow.io was taking over as the sole provider of flight operations cross the entire organization. This represented a changing of the guard as airlines are dealing with the next generation of challenges, including more volatile weather, climate risk, and climate adaptation. They also require a more flexible software-based predictive technology to help inform teams about how weather will impact their operations in advance of impact, so that they can be proactive rather than reactive.

Tomorrow.io’s leadership highlights:

“Using Tomorrow.io just for de-icing (and we work with JB on a number of operational procedures), JetBlue saves on average $50,000 per month per hub… Tomorrow.io was also referenced in JetBlue’s sustainability report with helping reduce fuel consumption.”

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Safety is key

From JetBlue’s perspective, there are benefits across the board. Talking about wind impacts, Daniel Blake, director airport operations, JetBlue, previously shared:

“Our number one priority at JetBlue, at all times, is safety. When winds get above 30 miles per hour, it does cause a number of safety risks for our crew members. Working with Tomorrow.io is extremely important to help us continue to operate in the safest manner when it comes to wind. On the ground at any given time, you have multiple aircraft and heavy, fragile equipment. Without properly securing gear, high winds can create projectiles that can cause harm to the aircraft or to team members.”

So, detailed weather forecasting helps JetBlue’s employees prepare for the unexpected. They can analyze upcoming weather incidents and set automatic alerts. If the winds over 25 mph are anticipated, the system triggers the airline’s high wind procedures, giving slightly more time as a warning before winds rise to 30 or more. Impending weather alerts enable JetBlue to time delays, schedule the right number of staff, and protect the fleet, employees, and passengers.

Industry difficulties

Just last month, we reported how severe weather conditions affected airline operations across the United States. Disruptions were reported nationwide, causing significant challenges for airlines and travelers alike.

Climate woes are set to continue in this next chapter. Therefore, technology is crucial in assisting airlines in operating safely and efficiently. Tomorrow.io is keen to help carriers operate within the ever-changing climate that we’re seeing around the world.

Slagen adds:

“This is where ensuring every single airline in the world is climate secure and has a climate adaptation plan in place, powered by weather intelligence.”

Looking ahead, it may be the airlines that embrace the next generation of weather technology now that will continue to be the leaders in the field.

What are your thoughts about JetBlue’s deployment of Tomorrow.io’s tech? What do you make of the overall prospects? Let us know what you think in the comment section.