Predictability is key for smooth aviation in Finland due to our weather conditions being subject to rapid changes. The Finnish Meteorological Institute produces all statutory aeronautical weather services for Fintraffic’s Air Navigation Services. In addition, jointly developed tailored solutions enhance the everyday operations of airspace users. Through close cooperation, aeronautical operators now have access to more extensive aeronautical weather data online via Fintraffic Sky.
Air traffic control anticipates the effects of weather conditions on aviation both on the ground and in the air. Supported by comprehensive weather forecasts and cooperation among various operators, air traffic control can minimise the impact of challenging weather on aviation. Aeronautical weather services support air traffic control duties, such as selecting runways for take-off and landing and adjusting flight paths around thunderstorms.
“Thanks to the aeronautical weather service provided by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, our air traffic controllers and flight information officers always have access to real-time data. For example, at the busy Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, weather data is used in air navigation work nearly every minute. Comprehensive weather data is crucial for us to provide our customers with safe and seamless services,” says Pasi Nikama, Director of Fintraffic’s Air Navigation Services.
“We cooperate closely with Fintraffic’s Air Navigation Services in producing statutory and completely new aeronautical weather services. This close dialogue has proven essential, as the role of weather forecasts in ensuring smooth and safe air traffic continues to grow,” says Ida-Reetta Virranjoki, Civil Aviation Account Manager at the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Fintraffic Sky provides users with comprehensive aeronautical weather data
The statutory aeronautical weather services produced by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, along with its tailored paid weather services, have now been integrated into the Fintraffic Sky online service. This integration provides users with a unique service that combines comprehensive flight planning features, pre-flight information for flight preparations and aeronautical weather services – all in one place. Eliminating the need to monitor data from multiple sources enables airspace users to operate more efficiently.
“Fintraffic Sky has opened up new opportunities, especially for uncrewed aviation, with the launch of low-altitude airspace weather forecasts jointly developed with the Finnish Meteorological Institute. These more detailed weather data are available to users free of charge, complementing the statutory aeronautical weather services. We are proud to cooperate with the Finnish Meteorological Institute, as both organisations are driven by a genuine desire to develop solutions that best serve the needs of aviation operators,” Nikama states.
“Weather forecasts and warnings are not created for interest alone – they ensure a safe and smooth journey for crews and passengers alike. Providing low-altitude airspace weather data for drone operators is a concrete example of how we, together with Fintraffic, develop solutions to meet the diverse needs of our service users,” Virranjoki continues.
