The Observatory took over the work of Asian Aviation Meteorological Centre

The Observatory took over the work of Asian Aviation Meteorological Centre

Christy Leung Yan-yu

In 2018, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) jointly established the Asian Aviation Meteorological Centre (AAMC). The AAMC’s main centre is operated by CAAC while the backup centre is operated by HKO.

From 25 October to 8 November 2021, the main centre of the AAMC in Beijing was temporarily closed due to relocation. The Observatory, as the technical support centre, took over the centre’s work during the period, to maintain the following services:

(1) Maintain the operations of the online weather monitoring and collaboration platform.
(2) Issue guidance products for hazardous weather that may affect aircraft operations, e.g. thunderstorms, turbulence and icing.
(3) Facilitate the coordination of the forecasters in the region on hazardous weather information.

The switchover was successful, which has fully demonstrated the operational capability of the Observatory. It also enhanced the reliability of the services provided by AAMC in support of the regional aviation weather services.

The Observatory stepped in to cover the work of the AAMC. The forecasters at the Airport Meteorological Office oversaw relevant weather consultations and held discussions with forecasters in Beijing