Aeromexico has joined IATA’s Turbulence Aware program, becoming the first major carrier from Latin America to participate in the global real-time turbulence data sharing network.
The airline’s inclusion brings coverage across Latin America to more than 3,200 flights per day, a 25% increase compared with 2024. Aeromexico contributes data from its 90 Boeing aircraft, supported by Boeing’s real-time weather and turbulence observation capability.
IATA’s Turbulence Aware collates anonymised turbulence reports from flights operated by more than 30 participating airlines worldwide. The aggregated data is shared near-instantaneously with all participating carriers, giving pilots a real-time picture of turbulence conditions ahead of their aircraft.
The system equips flight crews with the information needed to take preventive action, including suspending meal service, activating the seatbelt sign, or rerouting the flight where conditions allow.
Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President of the Americas, said the expansion marked a significant step for the region. “Timely turbulence data helps airlines improve safety and passenger comfort. Each new airline joining Turbulence Aware makes its coverage more comprehensive, helping all participants,” he said.
“Aeromexico’s participation is particularly significant as it is the first major carrier from the Latin American region to join. We look forward to others from the region further strengthening the offering by following Aeromexico’s lead,” Cerda added.
Cuitlahuac Gutierrez, SVP of Institutional Relations, Government, Airports and Industry Affairs at Aeromexico, said the airline was committed to using its network to benefit the wider industry. “We are pleased to join IATA’s Turbulence Aware program and leverage our extensive network and fleet to support the industry in managing turbulence more effectively,” he said.
“With accurate, real-time data, pilots can better navigate turbulence, resulting in smoother journeys for our passengers,” Gutierrez added.
Turbulence remains one of the leading causes of in-flight injuries to passengers and cabin crew. Incidents involving moderate to severe turbulence have drawn growing attention in recent years, with high-profile events prompting renewed industry focus on forecasting and avoidance technology.
Real-time data sharing programs such as Turbulence Aware represent a shift away from reliance on pilot reports filed after an encounter, toward predictive systems that allow crews to anticipate and avoid rough air before it affects the aircraft.
Latin America is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with passenger numbers continuing to recover and expand following the disruptions of the early 2020s. Greater turbulence data coverage across the region is expected to benefit not only Aeromexico’s own operations but all airlines participating in the Turbulence Aware network, as the value of the system increases with every new data contributor.
IATA has not indicated which other Latin American carriers may be in discussions to join the program, but the organisation expressed confidence that Aeromexico’s entry would encourage others in the region to follow.
