The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) has once again proven it can hold its own on the global stage. In February 2025, the agency achieved recertification under the ISO 9001:2015 standard for its aeronautical meteorological services—a gold seal that confirms its continued alignment with international best practices.
Issued for operations at Seychelles International Airport, the ISO badge affirms SMA’s commitment to quality through a rigorous Quality Management System (QMS), fully compliant with the standards set by both the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
But this isn’t just a paper win. The recertification is a milestone in SMA’s journey from a modest weather division tucked within a government ministry to a standalone, ISO-certified authority that now even recovers its operational costs for services rendered to the aviation sector.
“This certification validates years of strategic planning and transformation,” said a senior SMA official. “We’ve come a long way from where we started, and we’re not done yet.”
Indeed, the strategic pivot began under the SMA’s 2019–2023 Plan, which focused on autonomy, accountability, and aligning with international aviation and meteorological standards. The QMS introduced as part of this journey didn’t just streamline operations—it made the authority more responsive to both regulatory demands and client expectations.
With climate change intensifying, SMA isn’t resting on its ISO laurels. The agency is now broadening its scope beyond traditional weather forecasting. The goal: to keep pace with the rising frequency of extreme weather events, meet public demand for timely and actionable alerts, and support national resilience through data-driven services.
“The climate is changing fast, and so must we,” noted another SMA representative. “This recertification isn’t just about status—it’s about being ready for what’s next.”
As Seychelles faces the dual threats of rising sea levels and unpredictable weather, SMA’s growing capabilities could be the difference between disruption and preparedness. And with ISO 9001:2015 once again in the bag, the Authority is more than ready to forecast the future—while helping the country weather it.
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