More than a hundred world experts in aeronautical meteorology attended the 14th session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM) in Hong Kong. On behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) sent representatives to attend the meeting. Through participation in international meetings and interchange of technical knowledge with experts around the world, SMG has been improving the application of meteorology into aviation industry, which helps to ensure the safety of aviation activities more effectively. The session was held during 3rd to 10th February in Hong Kong, which marks the first time a major international meeting on aeronautical meteorology in Asia. Representatives of SMG included sub-director Mr. António Viseu and the director of the Center for Aeronautical Meteorology Mr. Ku Chi Meng. Meteorological information is important to aviation activities. SMG being the aviation servicing department to the Macao International Airport has always been committed to provide a high standard of weather service for aviation. In addition to providing precise weather forecasts and warnings to aviation working units, SMG has also been enhancing their level of scientific knowledge in order to ensure a smooth operation for air traffics. The Macao SAR has become a Member of the World Meteorological Organization since 1996, and CAeM is one of the technical commissions of WMO. The meeting is held every four years to discuss the progress and future development in the provision of aviation weather services, as well as to standardize the techniques and operational procedures of the Members. The Secretary-General of WMO, Michel Jarraud, highlighted at the opening ceremony the “significant impacts on providing aviation weather services in the 21st century”. These included establishing standards of competence for the meteorological personnel serving in the aviation industry, extending the coverage of weather forecasts in airspace and implementing quality management system for aviation weather service. On the other hand, the meeting also addressed the link between aviation and climate. In view of the anticipated increase in extreme weather, different regions should consider improving their weather warnings mechanisms accordingly.
