How Vaisala Care protects critical weather operations in Kuwait’s extreme desert conditions
Kuwait International Airport is a key Gulf aviation hub operating in demanding desert conditions of dust, heat, and intense sunlight. As part of a major expansion, Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA), formerly known as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), needed to modernize its airport weather capabilities, extend coverage to a third runway, and ensure long term reliability in an environment where equipment is constantly under stress.
For more than twenty years, the airport relied on a legacy system commissioned in 2004. As traffic increased and infrastructure evolved, the system could no longer provide the flexibility, coverage, or lifecycle support required. PACA sought a modern, ICAO compliant Airport Surface Observation System and Airport Meteorological System combined with a proactive service model delivering predictable maintenance and continuous, reliable weather data.
The client
Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA), Kuwait
Vaisala solution
Vaisala AviMet Airport Weather Observing System
Multi year Vaisala Care agreement
THE CHALLENGE
PACA needed to replace an aging weather system supporting two runways with limited flexibility for a third. Without a clear lifecycle plan, extended outages could jeopardize compliance, disrupt traffic, and reduce confidence among airlines and air navigation stakeholders.
The modernization had to be completed in just eighteen months, significantly faster than typical airport weather deployments. All work took place on an active airfield in extreme summer temperatures, requiring careful safety planning and disciplined coordination.
At the same time, PACA wanted to shift from reactive maintenance to a structured, data driven service model that would stabilize performance, control lifecycle costs, and simplify long term planning.
THE SOLUTION: Turnkey AWOS with lifecycle care
Vaisala was selected as primary contractor for a comprehensive project combining equipment, integration, and long term support in one package.
The delivery team designed a full AviMet AWOS solution for three runways. The system includes transmissometers for visibility measurement, present weather sensors, weather stations, and ceilometers for cloud height detection. A network of AviMet workstations with duplicated servers provides redundancy. The fully ICAO compliant solution integrates with other airport systems and supports flexible runway operations and future development.
The project focused on lifecycle performance, not just hardware delivery. Vaisala took responsibility for civil works including siting, foundations, cabling, and infrastructure. Rigorous testing ensured correct system performance before handover, and comprehensive training enabled PACA teams to operate confidently from day one.
How Vaisala Care supports KWI
When the system entered operational use, a multi year Vaisala Care agreement began, providing structured lifecycle support tailored to Kuwait’s harsh environment. The agreement includes prioritized access to Vaisala experts, remote diagnostics that often resolve issues without site visits, and planned maintenance and calibration to maintain stable performance.
For airports requiring more proactive coverage, the optional Vaisala Care+ tier offers managed calibration programs, preventive maintenance, and additional lifecycle services designed to maximize long term reliability.
Throughout delivery and into the service phase, Vaisala and PACA held regular risk management sessions. By identifying potential issues early, from component lifecycles to evolving operational needs, the partners ensured a controlled and predictable transformation.
Why this matters
Every landing depends on accurate weather data. In Kuwait’s desert environment, where visibility can change rapidly and temperatures exceed 50°C, reliable observations are essential for safety.
When weather systems fail, flights delay or divert, passengers face disruption, and controllers operate without critical information. A robust AWOS combined with structured lifecycle care helps ensure essential weather data remains available when it matters most.
THE RESULT: Reliable performance and predictable care
The project reached its operational milestone on schedule despite an accelerated timetable and harsh conditions.
With the legacy system retired, PACA now operates a modern AviMet AWOS providing complete coverage across three runways. The system supports flexible operational scenarios and delivers accurate, ICAO compliant weather and visibility information integrated with broader airport infrastructure.
The Vaisala Care agreement provides operational peace of mind. Remote support and preventive maintenance help resolve issues before they affect operations and sustain performance despite extreme heat, dust, and sun exposure. Documentation supports audits and internal quality processes.
A security and quality audit confirmed compliance with relevant standards. The on site team completed demanding field work without a single heat related accident, supported by careful planning and disciplined safety practices.
Customer confidence strengthened throughout the program. A successful first Factory Acceptance Test demonstrated that Vaisala would meet or exceed milestones, and PACA leadership noted that the Vaisala team stood out among multiple concurrent airport projects.
What this means for your airport
By combining a turnkey AviMet AWOS with a structured Vaisala Care agreement, PACA transformed airport weather from a legacy risk into a resilient, proactively managed asset.
Airports facing aging infrastructure, expansion, extreme conditions, or pressure for predictable lifecycle costs can follow a similar path. Kuwait International Airport demonstrates how a lifecycle care partnership can protect critical weather operations, control costs, and ensure essential data keeps flowing when every landing counts.
