Easyjet to Install Volcanic Ash Detectors

Low-cost airline Easyjet has unveiled world-first plans to outfit its planes with radar to detect volcanic ash. Easyjet said yesterday that the devices—designed to be placed on the tail fin and detect ash within 100 miles—could prevent a repeat of the shutdown of air space last month caused by the Icelandic volcano. The airline says it is spending $1.5 million to develop 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. (More volcanic ash stories.)