The Challenge
Vaisala needed to deploy new aviation weather stations across four regional airports for the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), but the rollout faced several challenges. Each airport was a greenfield site, requiring Comtel to assess and validate installation locations against strict aviation, environmental, and layout requirements.
The project involved tight coordination with BoM, local councils, airport managers, and communications regulators, while working within demanding timelines. One site that would typically take six months had to be completed in just one week.
All work was completed airside under strict safety and compliance conditions, with Inverell further complicated by COVID-19 border restrictions. Vaisala needed a partner capable of mobilising quickly, managing risk, maintaining safety, and communicating effectively across all stakeholders.
Comtel’s Solution
Comtel approached the project with a highly coordinated, boots-on-the-ground strategy, led by locally based technicians who understood both the region and the nature of airport operations.
The team conducted detailed assessments at each airport to determine the optimal placement for the weather stations. Once approved, Comtel managed the full deployment, from civil works and system installation to network and communication setup.
Close collaboration with BoM and airport personnel ensured installations aligned with regulatory and operational requirements. Comtel also took responsibility for managing all ACMA licensing approvals, removing a major administrative burden from the client.
Because Comtel’s local staff were used to dynamic, high-risk environments, the team could work flexibly around active runways, adapt quickly to changing conditions, and keep the project moving even through challenges like COVID-era border controls.
This combination of local knowledge, technical capability, and rapid mobilisation allowed the team to compress timelines without compromising quality or safety.
The Result
Vaisala’s regional airport weather station project was delivered successfully and ahead of expectations.
- One system that typically requires a six-month deployment was completed in under one week.
- All installations were delivered safely, without disrupting airport operations.
- The new weather stations at Miles, Chinchilla, Wellcamp and Inverell are now fully operational and feeding essential data into BoM and aviation systems.
- Comtel continues to provide annual maintenance and first-line support, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
Vaisala ultimately chose Comtel for its strong local presence, proven responsiveness, and willingness to take on technically challenging projects.
By partnering with a team that thrives in complex, high-stakes environments, Vaisala was able to meet urgent deployment timelines and strengthen weather monitoring capability across key regional airports.
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