Aviation R&D focuses its work on providing products and data to the aviation community which are used in flight planning prior to take off and to mitigate against significant weather en-route. There is a strong focus on reducing CO₂ emissions by forecasting optimum routes which follow the most efficient path through the atmosphere. Aviation R&D also develops automated products in support of the Met Office's role as a World Area Forecast Centre for aviation.

In addition, Aviation R&D performs consultancy work for airlines, for example investigating queries about forecast or observed weather.

Our customers include:

• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Key Aims

• To improve forecasts of weather phenomena that affect air transport such as clear air turbulence (CAT), icing, convective storms and the decay of wake vortices.
• To provide forecasts to airlines and air planning companies to help them provide the most cost effective and comfortable route for their customers.