Meteorological experts met in Hong Kong in Pursuit of Quality Aviation Weather Service

58 aviation weather experts from 37 countries/territories in the Asia Pacific region came together in Hong Kong to discuss ways to enhance the quality of meteorological service to the aviation community, at an international seminar hosted by the Hong Kong Observatory.

Organized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in coordination with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Seminar on Quality Management in the Provision of Meteorological Services to Aviation ended today (25 November 2005). The seminar has been held to assist countries in Asia and the southwest Pacific to set up quality management systems.

Speaking at the reception to welcome the overseas participants, the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour (Economic Development) Ms Sandra Lee said "The Hong Kong International Airport is the world's No. 1 cargo airport and has also been rated the best airport by passengers. The Hong Kong Observatory and the Civil Aviation Department work very hard and closely together to ensure the safe and smooth operation of aircraft at the Hong Kong International Airport in all weather conditions throughout the year. Quality weather service for aviation calls for team work at international level. By hosting this seminar, the Observatory is doing a great job to foster international cooperation in assuring the quality of aviation weather service in the region."

This was the first WMO seminar held in this part of the world on the quality management of aviation meteorological services. The 4-day Seminar featured expert presentations on the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 quality management system as related to the meteorological field as well as sessions for participants to share experiences. Mr S T Chan and Miss S Y Lau of the Hong Kong Observatory were among the lecturers at the seminar.

Mr. M. Waikai from the Cook Islands said: "I appreciate the organization of the seminar. It highly portrays the excellence the Observatory strives for." He remarked that "the seminar highlights the benefit and challenge of setting up quality management systems in various countries. It is a great forum for exchanging experience and enables the participants to see the way to implement such quality management system in their countries."

The Hong Kong Observatory was amongst the first few organizations in the world to be awarded with the ISO 9001:2000 quality management certificate for the provision of aviation weather service in 2002. The hosting of this seminar by the Hong Kong Observatory is a recognition of the Observatory's distinguished aviation weather service by the international community.