ANA rolls out new AI-driven turbulence prediction system with 86% accuracy

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has deployed a new AI-based turbulence prediction system across its aircraft fleet following successful operational trials involving 2,500 of its pilots. 

According to ANA, the airline is the first in the industry to roll out BlueWX’s game-changing technology and comes at a time when there are increasing concerns about turbulence.  

ANA said on August 7, 2025, that the partnership with BlueWX “marks a significant step forward in enhancing flight safety, passenger comfort and operational reliability”. 

The turbulence prediction model, developed using deep learning techniques and a decade of turbulence data, has an 86% accuracy rate and comes to the market following years of extensive testing.  

“For airlines, turbulence prediction is a long-standing challenge. At ANA, we have successfully developed this capability in collaboration with BlueWX, utilizing the latest AI and deep learning techniques. The implementation of this new system will ensure a more reliable and comfortable air travel experience for all our passengers,” said Hiroyuki Kometani, ANA’s Executive Vice President of Operation Division. 

ANA ANA and Keio University have been working on the prediction system since 2019 and together founded BlueWX in July 2023. 

“As turbulence exacerbates due partly to ongoing global warming and becomes a major safety concern for the air transport industry, we are honored to start providing our leading-edge, AI-powered turbulence prediction for ANA flight operations,” said Kaz Watanabe, CEO of BlueWX.  

Trials of the system began in 2021 with ANA pilots expressing strong support for its continued use. The pilots cited accuracy against flight reports and greater effectiveness in real-world operations compared to traditional methods. 

In recent years, episodes of turbulence have led to serious injuries and was suspected of leading to the death of a British man in 2024.  

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has indicated that turbulence accounts for 30 to 50% of aviation incidents. 

“Beyond safety concerns, turbulence also leads to economic losses, including damage to cargo and equipment, as well as flight delays and cancellations from unscheduled inspections that ensure safety during subsequent operations,” said a spokesperson for ANA. 

BlueWX plans to bring its AI-driven weather forecasting solutions to more airlines over the coming years in a bid to improve flight safety and operational efficiency across the aviation industry. 

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