Weather measurement technology specialist Vaisala has signed a contract with the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG). The largest yet aviation weather project for Vaisala, it will see the Finnish firm deliver airport weather systems and equipment for 14 Indonesian airports.
“Flight safety should not be a privilege. No matter where you live, you should be able to trust that your air travel is protected by modern automatic weather observation systems. This is especially true in Indonesia where the tropical climate brings in thunderstorms and other weather events that can severely affect the safety of the passengers and ground personnel alike,” said Jarkko Sairanen, executive vice president, weather and environment, Vaisala.
According to the US International Trade Administration, Indonesia is the second-fastest growing aviation market in the world after China based on its aircraft purchases and trade value. Investing on airport infrastructure is necessary to cater for the rapid development of the aviation industry in Indonesia.
“After years of cooperation, this new contract with BMKG is a significant step for Vaisala’s growth in Indonesia. The order includes modern aviation weather technology, including our AviMet automated weather observing system (AWOS) to eight airports, and a wind shear alert system, combining our X-band weather radars and wind lidars, to four airports. The project also includes the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s SILAM model that can be used for estimating movements of ash clouds from volcanic eruptions. As Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with estimated 80 active volcanos, this will be a significant addition to the safety of Indonesian aviation,” Sairanen said.
The project will be funded through the Finnish Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF), an instrument governed by Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and applicable for projects that comply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries. The project is expected to run for three years and start in 2025 once the PIF loan agreement is completed and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made the final approval for the funding.
