Easyjet unveils plans to fit ash detectors

LONDON: Low-cost airline Easyjet PLC has unveiled world-first plans to fit its planes with radar to detect volcanic ash.

Easyjet said Friday that the devices — designed to be placed on the tail fin and detect ash within 100 miles (160 kilometers)- could prevent a repeat of the shutdown of European air space last month caused by an erupting Icelandic volcano.

The airline says it is spending 1 million pounds ($1.46 million) developing the technology. It plans further tests with aircraft manufacturer Airbus and hopes to put the devices in a dozen of its planes by the end of the year.