Qatar Airways and Boeing in deal to maximise in-flight operational efficiency

A  Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Qatar Airways is seen on display during the 13th Dubai Airshow in November 2013. As part of the agreement with Boeing, Boeing Wind Updates will be integrated fleet-wide, across all Qatar Airways’ Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Qatar Airways and Boeing have signed a five-year agreement to provide Boeing Wind Updates services for the airline to maximise in-flight operational efficiency.

Boeing Wind Updates provides customised, real-time wind and temperature information to aircraft. This data allows for more efficient trajectory prediction during pre-flight operations and continuous optimisation in-flight by providing tailored wind information for flight crews and the aircraft flight management system. As part of the agreement, Boeing Wind Updates will be integrated fleet-wide, across all Qatar Airways Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

“We are pleased to upgrade our wind uplink capability by integrating the Boeing Wind Updates service into our operations at Qatar Airways to properly predict and measure current wind conditions,” said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker.

“In a highly competitive business environment, the Boeing Wind Updates service will provide us with a means to reduce fuel burn and increase routing efficiency, which leads to improved bottom line results.”

Boeing Wind Updates uses industry-leading technology and Boeing-developed algorithms to select wind and temperature information specific to each flight’s trajectory and considers wind conditions at a specific time. This data is individually tailored to the specific aircraft type, regardless of manufacturer, to provide optimised routing. This advanced capability differentiates the Boeing Wind Updates service from other similar products in the marketplace.

“By providing more current and accurate wind data, Boeing Wind Updates will enhance the efficiency of every Qatar Airways flight,” said Per Noren, vice-president, Customer Solutions, Boeing Digital Aviation — a business unit of Commercial Aviation Services. “We salute Qatar Airways as the first Middle East operator to use Wind Updates, as this technology solution supports continued optimisation from pre-flight planning through real time, in-flight optimisation.”

Boeing Wind Updates integrates with existing aircraft communications technology and systems, and does not require additional regulatory clearance for airline use. Operators can achieve a competitive advantage and significant fuel savings from improved flight planning, optimised cruise speed and cost index performance, improved altitude selection, optimised top-of-descent advisories and more efficient descent trajectories while using the Boeing Wind Updates service.