In Europe the airline industry is now monitoring the occupational exposure of aircrew to cosmic radiation. However, there are other significant impacts of SW phenomena on the technological systems used for day-to-day operations which need to be considered by the airlines.

Next generation aircraft will utilise increasingly complex avionics as well as expanding the performance envelopes. These and future generation platforms will require the development of a new air-space management infrastructure with improved position accuracy (for route navigation and landing in bad weather) and reduced separation minima in order to cope with the expected growth in air travel. Similarly, greater reliance will be placed upon satellites for command, control, communication and information (C³I) of the operation. However, to maximise effectiveness of this globally interoperable C³I and ensure seamless fusion of all components for a safe operation will require a greater understanding of the SW affects, their risks with increasing technology, and the inclusion of SW information into the operation.

Brief details of the SW effects on aircraft and the increasing risks for future operations will be presented. This will include some of the latest results from a collaborative study undertaken by the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) of University College London and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd, to investigate atmospheric radiation variations at aircraft altitudes due to solar or geomagnetic activity.

Amendment dated 7th November 2003: Following the significant period of solar activity in late October, early November 2003, this presentation will now discuss some of the real operational and commercial impacts that were caused by these Space Weather events.