Five-year deal extends partnership for safer air travel and revenue generation for the Solomon Islands Government.
The Solomon Islands has renewed its airspace management agreement with Airservices Australia for another five years. The partnership, which has lasted for over 20 years, ensures the continued safe management of the country’s upper airspace, crucial for international aviation.
The upper airspace, above 24,000 feet, is vital for long-haul flights. Airservices Australia will continue to manage air traffic in this space, ensuring the safety of aircraft traveling across the region. The partnership has been a key factor in both aviation safety and the financial benefit it provides to the Solomon Islands Government.
Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, highlighted the importance of the agreement. “Airservices Australia is regulated by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is responsible for managing air traffic across 11 percent of the world’s airspace,” Hilton said. “This agreement with Australia’s expert air traffic control agency ensures that planes will continue to fly safely across Solomon Islands airspace and delivers millions of dollars in revenue each year to the Solomon Islands.”
Hilton further emphasized the partnership’s broader significance, stating: “This renewal underscores the strong partnership and mutual commitment to safe air navigation and capacity development in the Pacific region.”
The agreement benefits the Solomon Islands through fees Airservices Australia collects from airlines using its airspace. These funds go into the country’s ‘Special Aviation Fund’, which supports national development. In 2023, the government received over SBD$10 million for this fund.
The renewed agreement also promotes knowledge sharing between Airservices Australia and the Solomon Islands aviation sector. This includes joint studies in Air Traffic Services and Aviation Rescue. Additionally, Airservices Australia will continue to provide training to local aviation professionals, enhancing the sector’s capacity and safety standards.
Solomon Islands Minister for Aviation and Communication, Frederick Kologeto, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement. “This agreement brings confidence for those flying above Solomon Islands and provides revenue to our people from those using our airspace,” Kologeto said. “It strengthens regional aviation safety and provides valuable training opportunities for the Solomon Islands aviation sector.”
The renewal of this agreement underscores both Australia and the Solomon Islands’ dedication to aviation safety in the Pacific region. Airservices Australia’s role extends beyond air traffic control to supporting regional capacity building, ensuring the country’s airspace management remains at high standards.
This partnership reinforces the strategic importance of the Solomon Islands in international aviation. By renewing this agreement, both nations strengthen the safety and efficiency of air traffic passing through the country’s airspace. Moreover, the revenue generated from this airspace use provides vital funding for Solomon Islands’ infrastructure and development.
Upper airspace refers to the region of airspace typically above 24,000 feet, where commercial aircraft travel on long-haul flights. This region is critical for international air traffic. Due to the higher altitudes and long distances involved, air traffic control in upper airspace requires specialized management. Airservices Australia oversees the Solomon Islands’ upper airspace to ensure the safe passage of aircraft across this part of the Pacific.
Source: Australian High Commission
