easyJet unveils technology to defeat ash cloud

easyJet has unveiled a radar system that will allow airlines to safely fly around ash clouds.

The device incorporates infra-red technology that highlights potentially damaging particles within a 100km radius. This would enable the pilot to then change course and continue to fly safely.

The system, called Airborne Volcanic Object Identifier and Detector (AVOID), is the first of its kind and aims to prevent a repeat of the chaos caused by the closure of European airspace due to an erupting volcano in Iceland.

It will be tested by Airbus on behalf of easyJet within the next two months. The budget carrier hopes to have the system in operation on 12 planes by the end of the year.

Source: BTN

04.06.10