Honiara International Airport to Receive Essential Ground Handling Equipment

The Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) is currently in the process of procuring essential ground handling equipment for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited and Solomon Airlines for the Honiara International Airport. The equipment includes a container loader, mobile passenger stairs, baggage tugs, golf buggies, pallet dolly and aid units.

Under the World Bank supported Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP), the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B) ground stations in 2021 and the installation of a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) communications system were completed in 2022.

SIRAP2 expands on these investments for Honiara International Airport, including the runway overlay and new airfield ground lighting; a new rescue fire service vehicle station; an automated weather observing station; a new Air Traffic Control Tower; crash alarms; and a new perimeter fence.

Permanent Secretary of MCA, Mr. Moses Virivolomo, said the upgrading of Honiara International Airport through SIRAP2 will contribute to the improved safety of the airport and the Solomon Islands’ aviation sector and provide benefits for the tourism sector, businesses and trade, and more reliable travel in the country.

SIRAP2 is also constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrading roads in Noro, providing upgrades to Santa Cruz and Munda Airports, providing investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.

End//