Seoul-based Korean Air has chosen the Graphic/Text Weather Service (G/TWS) from ARINC Incorporated to provide its pilots and air crews with the most current weather information available. ARINC G/TWS delivers near-real-time weather information on request to pilots anywhere in the world, over ARINC's GLOBALink data link services. Korean Air began receiving G/TWS service November 11.

"G/TWS service will allow our pilots to respond to sudden changes in weather patterns a lot faster," said Mr. J.J. Kim, Korean Air's Manager of Flight Operations Engineering Department. "This will enhance safety and efficiency in our global passenger and cargo operations, and provide Korean Air passengers with the best possible service."

"We understand the tremendous responsibilities pilots have in ensuring flight safety," said Randy Pizzi, ARINC Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific Operations. "Our G/TWS service for Korean Air is an example of how ARINC products can help enhance the decision-making processes during flight for pilots and crews."

Using ARINC's Graphic/Text Weather Service, pilots can initiate weather-information requests for a specific geographic areas or destination at any time during flight. In case of severe weather, they can immediately request information for alternate routes or destinations. Accurate, up-to-date weather information in the cockpit greatly increases flight safety and operating efficiency, allowing pilots to make better course decisions.

All ARINC G/TWS weather information is stored on a dedicated server aboard the aircraft, and older information is automatically overwritten as each update is received. This reduces the possibility of an aircrew using non-current weather data. Several G/TWS enhancements are planned within the next year, including the ability to display graphical weather information like color radar images and turbulence plots, as well as additional levels of text data services.

FMI: www.koreanair.com, www.arinc.com