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Aviation Forecasting

The meteorological support tools used by ENSCO's forecasting team allow us to meet the unique requirements of the aviation community. Our numerical weather models produce aviation forecast parameters such as turbulence and icing forecasts, as well as traditional upper level wind and temperature forecasts. Surface wind direction forecasts allow our airline customers to plan for runway configuration changes in advance and save fuel in the process. Specialized forecasts for polar routes, fog and tropical events are also provided by our meteorologists.

Recently, United Airlines awarded ENSCO a long-term contract to provide global weather forecasting for all of the airline’s operations. Under this contract, ENSCO’s team of meteorologists develops and disseminates complete weather forecast services to United Airlines for all airline operations. ENSCO built an aviation Web site for United’s pilots and flight dispatchers that provides real time weather updates on global, regional, and airport scales. This site contains weather products tailored specifically to United’s operation and route structure. ENSCO meteorologists are supporting United and other airlines at both United and ENSCO weather centers. These centers provide United dispatchers, pilots and airline management with accurate, up-to-the-minute weather information and forecasts required for safe and efficient flight planning.

Specialized Aviation Forecasting Capabilities

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Tropical Weather

ENSCO meteorologists monitor tropical weather worldwide and produce storm intensity forecasts along the track. The parameters include wind direction forecasts, timing of wind speeds in excess of certain limits (e.g., at what time will the wind exceed 50 knots and when will it subside), and rainfall amounts. These forecasts enable our customers to minimize the disruption caused by these severe events.

Severe Weather

Forecasting the timing and intensity of severe weather, such as thunderstorm and tornado outbreaks or winter snow events, is one of the strengths of our forecast team. Our high resolution models and years of experience provide the necessary tools for highly accurate predictions of these events.

Polar Weather

Airlines are increasingly looking at polar routes as a way to reduce flight time and costs between Asia and North America. ENSCO supports the aviation community with specialized polar weather forecasting for flights going over the North Pole. Our products include forecasts for cold weather aloft and solar radiation alerts, as well as forecasts for alternate landing sites required by air carriers that operate two-engine aircraft over the oceans. ENSCO's meteorologists provide these products to airlines through customized private Web sites and other electronic means.

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