Met Office to operate on-site at NATS control center in Hampshire

In an industry first for the UK, the Met Office has announced that it will deploy a team of meteorologists all year round at the NATS control center in Hampshire, one of two control centers responsible for providing air traffic navigation services for UK controlled airspace. The move follows a successful trial last summer and will see a team of highly trained meteorologists fully integrated on-site at the control center in Swanwick. They will work directly with air traffic controllers 24/7, to fully integrate weather advice to help the safety and efficiency of NATS’ air traffic operations. The development further builds on the long-standing relationship between NATS and the Met Office. Pete Dawson, general manager London Terminal Control at NATS, said, “We are delighted that the Met Office will now be working shoulder to shoulder with our supervisory teams, providing accurate and timely advice in support of our operation here at Swanwick.” Ian Cameron, head of aviation services at the Met Office, said, “Following a successful trial last summer, our on-site team of meteorologists will now be assisting NATS in planning for the weather and its related impacts. We are really pleased to be embedded alongside NATS staff supporting them with their decision making for UK airspace.”