Australia has strengthened Samoa’s aviation safety with the operationalisation of a new Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) at Fagali’i Airport.

The fully functional AWOS, supported by continuous StarLink connectivity, will provide real-time aviation weather information across the country.

The Samoa Meteorological Service (SMS) said, “Operationalisation of this AWOS represents a lasting investment in the safety and resilience of aviation weather services – not only in Samoa but across the Pacific.”

The system delivers high-resolution weather data for SMS, air traffic controllers, and pilots, including readings from an ultrasonic wind sensor, visibility meter, ceilometer (cloud height), temperature and humidity probe, and precision rain gauge.

Installation involved several weeks of joint work by SMS, the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA), and Australian Bureau of Meteorology staff, ensuring full integration into Samoa’s aviation operations.

New displays have also been set up at Fagali’i International Aerodrome, Faleolo International Aerodrome, and the Samoa Weather Forecasting Centre headquarters, allowing aviation and meteorological personnel across key locations consistent access to up-to-date information.

The project forms part of the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (P4A), under the Australian Bureau of Meteorology International Development Program, in partnership with SMS and SAA. Australia has invested AUD $100 million through P4A to help build a safe, resilient, and sustainable aviation sector, supporting a more connected Pacific.

The Fagali’i AWOS highlights Australia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety, reliability, and resilience of aviation weather services in Samoa.