All Nippon Airways (ANA) has become the first airline in the world to implement an artificial intelligence (AI)-based turbulence prediction service developed by BlueWX Company Limited. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing flight safety, passenger comfort and operational reliability through advanced weather prediction technology, a crucial advancement as turbulence concerns grow.
ANA’s adoption of the system follows several years of extensive testing and validation. The turbulence prediction model, developed using deep learning techniques and a decade of turbulence data, has an 86% accuracy rate. Operational trials involving 2,500 ANA pilots confirmed its reliability, leading to its formal integration into ANA’s weather data infrastructure.
“For airlines, turbulence prediction is a longstanding challenge,” said Hiroyuki Kometani, Executive Vice President of Operation Division, ANA. “At ANA, we have successfully developed this capability in collaboration with BlueWX, utilising the latest AI and deep learning techniques. The implementation of this new system will ensure a more reliable and comfortable air travel experience for all our passengers.”
The turbulence prediction system has been in development since 2019 as part of a joint initiative between ANA and Keio University. Trial use began in 2021, with continuous updates improving the model’s accuracy and performance. ANA pilots expressed strong support for its continued use, citing accuracy against flight reports and greater effectiveness in real-world operations compared to traditional methods.
The advancement comes at a critical time, as turbulence remains one of the most pressing challenges in aviation. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), turbulence accounts for 30 to 50% of aviation incidents. Beyond safety concerns, turbulence also leads to economic losses, including damage to cargo and equipment, as well as flight delays and cancellations from unscheduled inspections that ensure safety during subsequent operations.
BlueWX, founded in July 2023 through an industry-academia collaboration between ANA and Keio University, specialises in AI-driven weather forecasting solutions. The company plans to expand distribution of its turbulence prediction service to other airlines and distribution partners worldwide, aiming to improve flight safety and operational efficiency across the aviation industry.
“As turbulence exacerbates due partly to ongoing global warming and becomes a major safety concern for the air transport industry, we are honoured to start providing our leading-edge, AI-powered turbulence prediction for ANA flight operations,” said Kaz Watanabe, Chief Executive Officer, BlueWX. “ANA’s decision to use our service highlights the accuracy and reliability of our service, and we look forward to contributing to the crew and passengers of ANA and other airlines in the world in terms of flight safety and comfort.”
Hear more from All Nippon Airways at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025. Tom Kikuchi, Head of innovation – Airport Ground Handling, All Nippon Airways, is participating in the FTE Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles Symposium with a presentation titled ‘Insights into ANA’s smart ramp efforts, including advanced autonomous vehicle testing’.
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