Lufthansa Group marks 30 years of climate research with innovative data collection on passenger flights
The Lufthansa Group has been a key contributor to climate and atmospheric research for over 30 years, using its fleet of passenger aircraft to collect valuable data on the atmosphere. This ongoing commitment aids in refining climate models and improving weather forecasts, benefitting both the scientific community and the wider public.
This long-standing partnership with research institutions such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Jülich Research Center (FZJ) has seen Lufthansa’s aircraft equipped with scientific instruments that gather critical climate data during regular flights.
The data, including insights into ozone, water vapour, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides is made available for free to the global research community, supporting the work of more than 300 organisations around the world.
For UK-based business travellers, this is a significant development, as the data not only contributes to a better understanding of the environment but also supports more accurate weather forecasting – a crucial factor in flight planning, safety, and efficiency.
Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer of Lufthansa Group, highlights the company’s role in advancing climate research, saying:
We are proud to have been able to make a significant contribution to climate research for 30 years. The further development of aviation is deeply rooted in the DNA of the Lufthansa Group, and it is our aspiration to play a leading role in the development of new technologies. It inspires me to see the passion and experience with which Lufthansa Group colleagues continuously discover new ways to advance research. Through our commitment, we are helping to sustainably improve climate models and weather forecasts.
Since 1994, the Lufthansa Group has partnered in the MOZAIC and IAGOS projects, using its fleet of aircraft to collect continuous climate data. The company has recently expanded its research capabilities by converting a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 into a flying research laboratory. This new initiative will measure over 100 different trace gases, aerosols, and cloud parameters from high altitudes, providing invaluable data that will support global climate research and contribute to the reduction of aviation’s environmental impact. Additionally, Lufthansa has implemented the AMDAR and WVSS-II systems across its fleet, which monitor meteorological data such as temperature, air pressure, and water vapour, aiding weather forecasting and climate modelling.
Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, comments:
The Lufthansa Group’s commitment to climate research highlights a positive shift in the aviation industry towards sustainability. For UK-based business travellers, this focus on improving climate models and weather forecasting means more accurate flight operations, greater efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint, all of which align with the goals of today’s corporate travel programmes.
As the Lufthansa Group continues to expand its research capabilities and contribute to scientific advancements, its efforts underscore the potential of aviation to support a more sustainable and climate-conscious future.
For more information on Lufthansa Group flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
