Vaisala strengthens its presence in the United Arab Emirates

As a global leader in aviation weather solutions, Vaisala supports and solves the weather challenges of customers and partners throughout the world, delivering over 150 aviation projects annually.

Vaisala’s aviation weather systems and solutions have been relied upon by airports across the globe for more than 30 years. Most recently, Vaisala has strengthened its presence in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Maktoum International Airport
Vaisala was recently awarded a contract to provide aviation weather equipment to Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the world’s largest airport when completed.

Working through United Arab Emirates-based contractor International Aeradio, Vaisala will supply the airport  with a state-of-the-art CATIIIb aviation weather runway system for its first runway (Phase I), which is scheduled to be operational in 2008.

The CATIIIb aviation weather runway system will include a Vaisala automated weather observing system (AWOS), displays and communication units, as well as applications for the measurement and prediction of wind, precipitation, visibility, present weather, solar radiation and cloud height. The real-time weather data provided by the system helps meteorologists, pilots and flight dispatchers prepare and monitor weather forecasts, plan flight routes and disseminate information for correct takeoffs and landings. It also supports weather-related decision making and safety procedures for ground operations such as baggage handling and transportation. Vaisala will provide complete project management and support solutions for the system.

“Vaisala is pleased to be the selected provider of aviation weather equipment for the Al Maktoum International Airport,” says Regional Manager Jukka Ritari, who oversees the Vaisala office in Dubai. “It is an honor to play a role in such an ambitious project.”

When complete, the Al Maktoum International Airport (JXB) will be 10 times the size of the existing Dubai International Airport (DXB). Its six runways will be capable of handling over 120 million passengers each year.

Vaisala currently has two CATIIIb aviation weather runway systems in place at DXB. These systems will be completely integrated with the Vaisala systems at the new JXB, allowing for easy and efficient communication between the two airports.

Vaisala office opening in Dubai
Vaisala celebrated the official opening of its new office in Dubai in conjunction with the Dubai Airshow in November 2007. Some 30 customers and partners attended the opening ceremony held at the new premises on November 13th. Global Weather Sales and Marketing Director Masse Ervasti and Vaisala CEO Kjell Forsén warmly welcomed the guests and noted that serving customers locally is one of the cornerstones of customer focus for Vaisala Aviation.

Headed by Regional Manager Jukka Ritari, the Dubai office offers comprehensive aviation solutions to customers in the Middle East region and, in the future, easy access to the full Vaisala weather solutions offering.

“The demand for large turnkey deliveries is growing. We want to promote good communications with customers, a proactive approach and strong application know-how by getting very close to our customers’ business,” Jukka Ritari says.

Author: Marikka Nevamäki, Vaisala, Finland