A Solomon Islands delegation led by the Minister for Communication and Aviation Hon. Peter Shanel Aqovaka signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Republic of Singapore.
The Solomon Islands Delegation included the country’s Attorney General Mr. James Apaniai and the Director Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands Mr. George Satu arrived in Singapore on 13th February 2016 to attend the Aviation Leader’s Summit 2016 as well as the 2nd Pacific Islands Transport Ministers’ Meeting.
On the 16th February 2016, the Solomon Islands Delegation met with their Singapore counterparts led by the Minister for Transport Hon. Khaw Boon Wan and his officials who witnessed the historic signing of the ASA and MOU between Solomon Islands and Singapore.
“The signed agreement is the first ever signed with an Asian country that is one of the hubs in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only region that boasts strong growth in aircraft purchases and growing passenger numbers in the aviation sector. The agreement will foster more opportunities amongst signatories with tremendous advantages and far reaching benefits to the two countries’ economies”. The Hon Peter Agovaka indicated.
“Under the DCCG policy implementation, Solomon Islands have reviewed and renewed ASA with Vanuatu and will soon negotiate a new ASA with Emirates and later in the year review the ASA with Fiji and Papua New Guinea with emphases on reciprocity and fairness in all our Air Services Agreements”. The Minister added.
These ASA and agreements between countries will allow our national carrier to expand its international flights network with more code-share agreements and direct flights offering more options and connectivity to overall, benefit the people and economy of Solomon Islands.
The Asian region is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and such bilateral agreements will no doubt have spin-offs for tourism, trade and business activities through enhanced global connections and at the same time boost Solomon Islands’ economy.