A delegation of approximately 70 participants from the international Nordic Preparedness project visited West Avia at Seinäjoki Airport on April 13 as part of their study tour. The visit offered a comprehensive overview of regional development initiatives, aviation operations, and preparedness and resilience-related activities.
The study tour began with an introduction to West Avia’s ongoing development projects, highlighting the area’s diverse opportunities and future potential. During the day, the visitors were introduced to the business park, airport operations, and the unique testing environment that enables practical experimentation and development of new technologies and solutions.
Preparedness, Technology and Cooperation at the Core
The programme also focused strongly on preparedness and resilience. The role of the local aviation club was presented from the perspective of emergency preparedness and community resilience, while FinnHEMS showcased the importance of airborne emergency medical services. In addition, participants visited SeAMK’s XR Lab and learned more about the activities of Artificer Group.
One of the highlights of the visit was a series of live demonstrations, including drone flight operations and testing of a British unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) combined with a trailer system at the West Avia area. The demonstrations provided concrete examples of how emerging technologies can support safety, preparedness, and operational development.
Nordic Preparedness Strengthens Rural Resilience
The development of West Avia has also been supported through Leader funding. Leader Liiveri has contributed to launching new functions and activities at the previously underutilized airport area and supporting its transformation into a versatile operational environment.
Nordic Preparedness is an international Leader cooperation project involving ten partners from Finland and Sweden. The project aims to increase awareness and knowledge of citizens’ crisis resilience and to share best practices between rural areas. The key themes of the study tour focus on preparedness in villages and farms.
The visit to West Avia provided participants with concrete examples of how cooperation between different actors can strengthen resilience and create innovative solutions for changing operational environments.
VISIT AT WEST AVIA
Elisabet Kivimäki
Asiakkuuspäällikkö, Into Seinäjoki
