Cost Recovery
Cost recovery is a vital component of sustainable aeronautical meteorological service provision. Aviation relies on high‑quality, continuously available meteorological information, and maintaining this capability requires stable, transparent and equitable funding. A well‑structured cost‑recovery framework in aeronautical meteorology ensures that service providers can meet international obligations while delivering reliable, aviation‑focused products and services that support aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Effective cost recovery benefits both providers and users. For service providers, it enables long‑term planning, supports technological upgrades, and fosters continual improvement in line with ICAO and WMO standards. For aviation stakeholders, it brings clarity around what services are funded, strengthens confidence in the quality and continuity of meteorological support, and ensures that investments align with operational needs.
Cost‑recovery principles are integrated into strategic assessments and operational services. By aligning financial structures with international best practice, clients gain a clear, defensible framework that supports sustainable service delivery, enhances transparency, and ensures that aeronautical meteorological services remains robust, responsive and fit for purpose.
According to international guidance, including WMO’s Guide to Aeronautical Meteorological Services Cost Recovery, countries are encouraged to implement clear policies that allocate the costs of their aeronautical meteorological services in a fair and accountable manner. These costs typically include direct aviation‑specific services, a proportionate share of core meteorological infrastructure, and essential overheads required to maintain service quality. Transparent cost allocation helps ensure that aviation users contribute appropriately to the provision of aeronautical meteorological services without subsidising unrelated sectors, a concern highlighted by industry bodies such as IATA (International Air Transport Association).
