Willis Research Network (WRN), the research arm of Willis Towers Watson, has partnered with Mitiga Solutions to help aviation and aerospace clients optimise air traffic management.
The partnership aims to help airlines, airports and associated organisation in both the public and private sectors to predict and mitigate the impact of natural hazards to air traffic management and aviation operations.
For example, volcanic ash, sandstorms and mineral dust are key hazards for airlines and can affect flight safety, aircraft routes, infrastructure and engine lifetime.
Mitiga Solutions, a offshoot of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, can assess the impact of these hazards in close to real-time, either prior to an event for early warning or for ongoing emergencies.
The firm’s modelling capabilities will also be used to test and enhance preparedness, and are expected to help airlines mitigate their exposure, re-route places, minimise delays, and reduce economic losses.
“This is a tremendous example of collaborative investment and innovation, and the determination by Willis Towers Watson to understand the risks associated with such a perpetual threat,” said Andrew Hall, Client Relationship Director, Risk and Strategy at Willis Towers Watson.
“Most importantly, how to reduce the impact and cost to the aviation eco-system and to increase the safety, efficiency and confidence of such a strategically important but fragile sector,” he added.
Rosa Sobradelo, Senior Research Manager for Earth Risks at WRN also commented: “We are delighted to partner with Mitiga Solutions on this important initiative, which provides valuable data insight to our aviation and aerospace clients.”
“It puts the WRN at the forefront of applied research for volcanic risk and reflects Willis Towers Watson’s commitment to delivering bespoke risk management solutions,” she continued.
Finally, Alex Martí, CEO, Mitiga Solutions stated: “In a short period of time, Mitiga Solutions has been able to disrupt the aviation industry by providing real-time and predictive solutions to mitigate the impact of atmospheric hazards to different aviation stakeholders.
“Partnerships are at the heart of what we do and working with Willis Towers Watson enables us to scale our work and build the case for the standardised use of scientific predictive models to strengthen aviation safety worldwide.”
