With turbulence rising, Korean Air shakes up safety measures but keeps quality

A recent surge in turbulence-related incidents has heightened concerns of safety while flying, as climate change appears to be driving up the prevalence of unstable air so much that it has become a top issue for airlines. Korean Air is addressing...

The Operations & Customer Center located on the eighth floor of Korean Air’s HQ Building A [KOREAN AIR]

A recent surge in turbulence-related incidents has heightened concerns of safety while flying, as climate change appears to be driving up the prevalence of unstable air so much that it has become a top issue for airlines.

Korean Air is addressing it head on, seeking solutions to better predict turbulence as well as ways to ensure passenger safety without compromising quality.

Scouring data from tons of flights

The flag carrier is actively responding to an 80 percent increase in reported turbulence for 6,000 flights by domestic airlines in the first quarter compared to last year, according to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Sudden shifts in airflow occur in summertime and over equatorial regions. Clear air turbulence, cited as the cause of the majority of recent incidents, strikes without warning or visible weather indicators.

Korean Air has secured access to the International Air Transport Association’s Turbulence Awareness Platform, which allows data from millions of flights to be shared in real time and utilized in preflight briefings for flight and cabin crews to coordinate services as well as responses to turbulence with a priority on safety.

Monitoring flights around the clock

Korean Air’s safety measures aren’t limited to the sky.

Last December, the airline upgraded its Operations & Customer Center, also known as the “24-hour ground control room,” with the newest equipment to detect abnormalities and ensure safety. The center checks the weather, routes, and takeoff and landing times as it selects optimal routes for turbulence avoidance and monitors flights.

Direct communication with planes in flight facilitates immediate responses to concerns such as turbulence. If a sudden shift in airflow is detected, the incoming data from the aircraft is analyzed and shared with other planes set to fly in the area.

Sudden shifts in airflow occur in summertime and over equatorial regions. Clear air turbulence, cited as the cause of the majority of recent incidents, strikes without warning or visible weather indicators.

Korean Air has secured access to the International Air Transport Association’s Turbulence Awareness Platform, which allows data from millions of flights to be shared in real time and utilized in preflight briefings for flight and cabin crews to coordinate services as well as responses to turbulence with a priority on safety.

Updating services to prioritize safety

In light of the rising frequency of turbulence, Korean Air is switching up its in-flight services to reduce potential safety hazards.

With turbulence projected to increase due to climate change, in-flight services have been ending 20 minutes earlier for all mid- to long-haul flights since July to allow cabin crews to focus on safety while preparing for landing, when the likelihood of turbulence increases. To compensate for the change, in-flight services now start 20 minutes earlier.

Snacks are set to change as well, with ramyeon off the menu from Aug. 15 in economy class out of concerns over hot water burns and safe disposal. As a replacement, hotdogs, pizza and hot pockets will be available, and meals that require hot water will be served at a lower temperature.

When entering an anticipated turbulence zone, the “fasten seat belt” sign will be activated, after which passengers should remain seated with their belts on and follow crew instructions. Carry-on luggage should remain in the overhead bins or under the seat in front to cut the risk of airborne hazards.

Korean Air continues to consider further ways to improve passenger safety and convenience in all areas, prioritizing safety as turbulence shows no signs of abating.

BY KIM YEON-SOO [kim.yeonsoo1@joongang.co.kr]