Japan funds Airport Weather Information System stations in Maldives

Maldives Meteorological Center has signed Memorandum of Understanding with companies running Maldivian airports for the installation of Airport Weather Information System (AWIS) stations – funded via non-reimbursable aid by Japanese government.

The MoUs were signed in a ceremony held at Ministry of Environment and Energy this Sunday.

It was signed on behalf of Maldives Meteorological Center by Minister of Environment and

Energy, Toriq Ibrahim, and heads of companies running airports throughout the country; Island Aviation Services, Regional Airports, Addu International Airport, Pristine Islands Investment, and Villa Shipping and Trading Companies.

The AWIS stations will be installed by technicians from Maldives Meteorological Center.

Speaking to reporters after signing the MoUs, Minister Toriq said that once the stations were installed, flights landing in the airports will be able to receive instate up-to-date information regarding the weather condition.

He said that it would also help in weather forecasts for the country.

Minister Toriq said the authorities were working on extending the coverage with the assistance of government of Italy.

“We, with the assistance of Italian government, are working on installing automatic weather stations in 25 more regions,” said Toriq.

He also said that Maldives Meteorological Center was working on achieving the highest International Organization for Standardization level – the ISO9001.

Toriq said that Maldives Meteorological Center was at the last stage of approval, and would receive the certification soon.

Japanese government has provided MVR 3.75 million worth of equipment to set up the AWIS stations.