Boeing has signed a five-year agreement with Qatar Airways to deliver its Wind Updates services, to help improve the airline’s in-flight operational efficiency.

Boeing Wind Updates offers customised, real-time wind and temperature information, which enables efficient trajectory prediction during pre-flight operations.

It also facilitates continuous optimisation in-flight by offering customised wind information for flight crews, as well as the aircraft flight management system.

"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."

Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said: "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."

As part of the latest deal, Wind Updates will be integrated across all Boeing and Airbus aircraft fleet of the Middle East carrier.

Boeing Wind Updates services use the latest technology, with company-developed algorithms to select wind and temperature information for each flight’s trajectory and considers wind conditions at a specific time.

In addition, it integrates with existing aircraft communications technology and systems, and requires no additional regulatory approvals for airline use.

Boeing Digital Aviation customer solutions vice-president Per Noren said: "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."

Defence Technology