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Airlines Test AI Tools to Forecast Turbulence and Adjust Seatbelt Signs
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Japan Airlines have adopted SkyPath's AI platform, which forecasts turbulence up to 24 hours ahead at 90% accuracy. The system draws data from onboard iPad sensors and has been linked to fewer moderate turbulence encounters. Insider reported on pilot experiences and supporting studies.
Jul 17, 5:01 AM·2m read1 source
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Airlines including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Japan Airlines are deploying AI-driven platforms such as SkyPath to give pilots earlier warnings of turbulence and improve timing of the seatbelt sign. SkyPath collects turbulence readings through sensors on iPads carried aboard aircraft and combines them with weather data to generate forecasts.
Insider reported that the platform predicts conditions up to 24 hours ahead with 90% accuracy.
Captain Will Ware, a U.S. airline pilot with more than 40 years of experience who is helping integrate the tool, said the iPad issues alerts such as "You might have moderate turbulence in 13 minutes," allowing crews to prepare passengers in advance. Ware noted that the technology also confirms smooth conditions, giving pilots greater confidence to turn the sign off.
"We don't want to just leave the seatbelt sign on for the entire flight; that's not providing much hospitality," he told Insider. He added that no tool will ever be perfect and that pilots continue to weigh multiple inputs. A SkyPath review of data from several airlines over two years found a roughly 50% reduction in encounters with moderate-or-greater turbulence.
In a separate analysis of 180 real-world incidents, relevant data was available beforehand in 79% of cases. A 2025 Japan Airlines study of its own AI tool, which forecasts with 86% accuracy, reported decreased workload and increased safety. The International Air Transport Association partners with nearly 30 airlines on its Turbulence Aware data-sharing program and is examining AI integration.
