Zambia Moves to Develop Cost Recovery Mechanism for Sustainable Aviation Meteorological Services
Lusaka, Monday, 17th July, 2023 - Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba says there is need for meteorological services to be provided in a cost-effective manner through the development of a cost recovery mechanism.
During the launch of the development of Cost Recovery Mechanism in the provision of Aeronautical Meteorological Services by the Zambia Meteorological Department, Dr. Chibamba said both domestic and international civil aviation users rely on the provision of meteorological and other dedicated services including air traffic services to ensure that they can operate safely, efficiently and economically with minimal impact on the environment, both on the ground at airports and in the airspace.
Mr Nkonde the director at the Zambia Meteorological Department speacking at the launch of the development of Cost Recovery Mechanism in the provision of Aeronautical Meteorological Services
He said the importance of meteorological services for aviation cannot be over emphasized because they help support the aviation industry to reduce flight times and fuel consumption.
"Further, they also help airlines plan flight routes more efficiently. These services also alleviate costly delays and cancellations of flights which may bring about inconveniences to passengers. Additionally, meteorological services help pilots in providing a smoother ride for travelers by minimizing effects of clear air turbulence which may cause discomfort during fight," he said.
"They also assist airlines and air operators optimize programmes by using long-range forecasts and monitor atmospheric conditions in real-time by viewing weather and atmospheric conditions at multiple altitudes, including upper-air flight support."
Dr. Chibamba said currently, ZMD provides these services free of charge to all air lines and air operators in Zambia with support from its treasury.
He, however, said this approach has had its own challenges and chief among them is the need for meteorological services to be provided in a cost-effective manner through the development of a cost recovery mechanism.
Dr. Chibamba said the Cost Recovery Mechanism will not only enhance the sustainable provision of meteorological services to aviation but will also provide reliable, high quality, timely and cost-effective meteorological services to aviation users worldwide.
The Permanent Secretary said the challenge is to ensure that the success of developing a cost recovery mechanism in the provision of aeronautical meteorology services for ZMD is actualized and solutions found as regards to delivering a Cost Recovery Mechanism.
And Meteorological Department Director Mr. Edson Nkonde said the Ministry was looking at developing a Cost Recovery Mechanism in the provision of meteorological services