Airways New Zealand awarded contract to assist Samoa airport upgrade

Airways New Zealand will support the upgrade of air traffic management systems and infrastructure at Faleolo International Airport in Samoa as part of a major package of improvements.

Airways New Zealand contract funded by World Bank

(Image: Airways New Zealand)

The World Bank is funding a US$25 million package of upgrades at the airfield under its Pacific Aviation Investment Program (PAIP). The regional project will increase aviation safety and security across the Pacific by developing key airport infrastructure and operations. 

Airways New Zealand will consult on the design and procurement of air navigation aids, air traffic control equipment and airfield ground lighting systems for the airport which is the main gateway to Samoa and its surrounding islands. The New Zealand state-owned enterprise will also project-manage the installation of the new systems.

Highlighting the work the ANSP is undertaking across the Pacific region, Airways Chief Operating Officer Pauline Lamb said:

“Airways’ vision for the Pacific is to enable the same standard of infrastructure, service and safety we provide in New Zealand. To do this we need to ensure modern infrastructure is in place.

“A significant element of Airways’ involvement with the Pacific is its joint agreement with Tonga, Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands to manage the states’ upper airspace. Other services Airways provides throughout the Pacific include engineering and maintenance, flight inspection of navigation aids and flight procedures along with technical and air traffic control training.

(Image: samoaairport.com)

“This latest contract is the second Airways has been awarded under PAIP. Airways is also helping to extend the PASNet network – an aviation specific satellite communication system for the Pacific.

“PASNet will ultimately link air traffic organisations in eight Pacific states with a more robust and reliable voice and data connection. Work to install ground stations in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Kiribati will begin this month,” Ms Lamb says.

“Air transport is a lifeline for small island countries such as Samoa, connecting them to international markets, opening up employment opportunities and bringing in tourists,” said Chris De Serio, World Bank Transport Specialist. “The Samoa Aviation Investment project is already making good progress and this additional funding will support the Government’s vision for positioning its aviation market and tourism industry.”