Cathay Pacific becomes second airline to implement Japanese AI-based turbulence prediction tech

Cathay Pacific is the second airline to implement a Japanese produced AI-based turbulence prediction technology.

Tokyo-based BlueWX announced the Hong Kong-based airline is the newest airline addition to use the service. BlueWX forecast data is also now integrated into the Hong Kong Observatory’s (HKO) MyFlightWx application available to Cathay Pacific pilots, dispatchers, and other members.

“With this integration, the AI-driven high-accuracy turbulence prediction data by BlueWX is layered on the suite of aviation weather information by HKO, contributing to safer and more comfortable journeys onboard CPA flights.”

Founded in 2023, the technology behind BlueWX was part of a joint initiative between All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Keio University in Tokyo started in 2019. The prediction technology was developed using deep learning techniques and a decade of turbulence data. ANA conducted trials with 2,500 pilots using the technology before fully implementing the service in 2025. According to the Tokyo-based airline the system has an 86% accuracy rate. 

According to the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), turbulence accounts for 30-50% of aviation incidents. Besides the safety concerns, turbulence also leads to economic loses such as damage to cargo and equipment, and flight delays/cancellations due to unscheduled inspections to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft.