Weather watch

Technology will help the world’s airports and their staff cope with rising temperatures and extreme weather events, writes AEM’s Anuj Agrawal.

As our planet warms, industries worldwide grapple with the escalating challenges posed by rising temperatures.

Arguably, few feel the heat more acutely than the aviation sector, where the delicate balance of safety, efficiency, and compliance hangs in the balance every day.

In North America, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – part of the US Department of Labor – is working towards new heat stress guidelines, and airports are proactively seeking advanced solutions to not just comply with regulations but to safeguard their workforce and ensure uninterrupted operations.

Airports are microcosms of activity, where every task, from baggage handling to aircraft maintenance, is performed under the watchful eye of safety regulations. Yet, the open tarmac, a vast expanse of concrete and asphalt, offers no respite from the sun’s relentless gaze.

Here, ground crews toil, often under extreme temperatures that can exceed the surrounding air temperature by several degrees, creating a ripe environment for heat stress.

The role of real-time monitoring in enhancing safety

Amidst this backdrop, the ability to monitor and manage environmental factors are becoming increasingly critical.

Solutions that monitor key indicators such as Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measure of heat stress conditions, provide airports with the tools they need to safeguard their workers’ wellbeing and comply with the forthcoming regulations.

Multi-weather sensors and total lightning networks can further enhance the accuracy and reliability of these monitoring systems, ensuring that airports have access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date weather data available.

Applications like Sferic Maps have revolutionised how airports manage weather-related risks. By offering a comprehensive view of incoming storms, including lightning activity, these systems enable operations leads to make informed decisions swiftly.

It’s not just about reacting to weather events but anticipating them, ensuring that every response is measured, timely, and effective.

In the US, a leading domestic air carrier recently deployed a new lightning safety alerting system across several strategic airports. This initiative was driven by the need to enhance ground crew safety without triggering unnecessary work stoppages due to false alarms.

The lightning system provides clear and distinct warnings for approaching lightning and imminent weather emergencies. Since its initial installation at two key airports, the pilot programme has expanded rapidly, now encompassing over 20 airports, with plans for further installations in the pipeline.

Boosting efficiency and minimising delays

In addition to enhancing safety, advanced weather monitoring and forecasting technologies offer airports a powerful tool for streamlining operations and minimising weather-related disruptions.

By leveraging environmental networks, global, regional, and local modelling, and machine learning algorithms, these types of cutting edge solutions can deliver highly accurate forecast data.

With precise, up-to-the-minute weather predictions at their fingertips, airport officials can make informed decisions about ground operations, flight schedules, and resource allocation.

Today’s advanced forecasting systems address the biggest industry challenges by providing comprehensive numerical forecast data for any point on the globe.

By combining high-definition forecast models with hyperlocal real-time weather information, AI-driven solutions generate more accurate short-term weather predictions.

This level of accuracy and advanced notice ensures that airports can proactively manage potential weather hazards, minimising financial setbacks, operational delays, and damage to customer trust.

In addition, such levels of efficiency not only benefit travellers, but also help airports strengthen their relationships with airlines as fewer weather-related disruptions translate to improved operational performance and customer satisfaction.

Navigating evolving regulations

As safety regulations continue to evolve, airports must remain vigilant in their efforts to stay compliant. The anticipated OSHA heat stress guidelines are just one example of the ever-changing regulatory landscape that airports must navigate.

In addition to these new requirements, airports must also adhere to a wide range of existing regulations related to weather safety, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness.

Comprehensive weather monitoring solutions, which may include features like automated employee alerts, customisable safety thresholds, and clear protocols for weather-responsive management, can play a vital role in helping airports meet these stringent safety requirements.

By providing detailed data on environmental conditions and supporting consistent, repeatable processes, these systems enable airports to demonstrate their commitment to worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Moreover, advanced weather technologies can help airports streamline their reporting and documentation processes, making it easier to provide evidence of compliance to regulatory agencies.

By automatically generating detailed logs of weather conditions, alerts, and actions taken, these systems can reduce the administrative burden on airport staff while ensuring that all necessary records are maintained accurately and efficiently.

The financial benefits of weather technology

Implementing advanced weather monitoring systems can also have a significant impact on an airport’s bottom line. By optimising operations and minimising weather-related disruptions, airports can reduce their operational costs and improve overall financial performance.

For example, by using precise weather data to inform ground operations, airports can reduce fuel consumption, minimise equipment wear and tear, and optimise staff allocation.

This not only helps airports save money on day-to-day expenses but also extends the lifespan of critical assets, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements over time.

Additionally, by minimising delays and cancellations, airports can avoid costly penalties and maintain strong relationships with airlines and passengers.

In an industry where customer loyalty is essential, the ability to provide reliable, efficient service even in the face of challenging weather conditions can be a significant competitive advantage.

The road ahead: Airports in the age of climate change

As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, airports are increasingly recognised as critical arenas for innovation in environmental resilience.

The upcoming OSHA heat stress guidelines serve as a pivotal moment for these transport hubs to reassess their preparedness and adaptability to changing weather patterns.

Future developments in weather monitoring technology promise even greater capabilities for airports.

Innovations in sensor technology and data integration could provide deeper insights into microclimatic conditions on the tarmac, further enhancing the ability to protect workers and ensure operational continuity.

Additionally, advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data transmission could enable airports to respond to changing conditions with unprecedented speed and precision, optimising resource allocation and minimising disruptions.

As we look to the horizon, the message is clear: the future of airport operations lies in the intelligent application of technology to mitigate the impacts of our changing environment.

The aviation industry’s proactive steps today will pave the way for safer, more efficient airports tomorrow, ensuring that they remain vital connectors in the global transport network, even in the face of escalating environmental risks.

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About the author

Anuj Agrawal is the vice president of marketing at AEM which is building an innovative portfoilio of technology solutions to mitigate the risk of extreme environmental events such as flooding and wildfires.