With funding by EasyJet, scientists have been testing new technology over Mount Etna, which they hope will help pilots detect ash cloud density.
If follows the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano in April last year, which led to the closure of most of European airspace.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16079981
Volcanic ash cloud avoidance technology tested in Sicily - video
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iKV1dHJh8djROMSMzDRKFIVto9MA?docId=N0327921323333564424A&index=0