The Solomon Islands government has called for stronger regional cooperation to improve aviation safety and security across the Pacific during the opening of the 22nd Pacific Aviation Safety Office, or PASO, Council Meeting and Annual General Meeting in Honiara.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Solomon Islands Minister for Communication and Aviation Frederick Kologeto said Pacific countries must work collectively to maintain safe and reliable air connectivity amid rising global and regional challenges.
The meeting, hosted in Honiara this week, brought together PASO council members, regional delegates and international aviation representatives under the theme “Safer skies, connected lives – Our Pacific Vision.”
Kologeto thanked PASO founding members for establishing the regional aviation safety framework and acknowledged the organisation’s council members, management and logistics teams for hosting the annual gathering in Solomon Islands.
He also recognised the Tandai House of Chiefs during a traditional welcome ceremony for visiting delegates.
Kologeto said aviation remains critical for Pacific economies and communities, linking remote island nations to trade, tourism and international markets.
“Aviation connects our people, supports our economies and enables participation in the global community,” he said.
The minister outlined several aviation projects currently being pursued by the Solomon Islands government, including the development of a 10-year aviation master plan focused on growth, resilience and sustainability.
He said the government is also upgrading and sealing provincial runways to support Dash 8 aircraft operations and improve domestic connectivity between Honiara and outer provinces.
Other initiatives include the construction of new air traffic control towers at Honiara International Airport and Munda Airport, as well as reviews of aviation legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s regulatory framework.
Kologeto said Pacific aviation faces increasing pressure from global instability, including volatility in fuel prices linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He said Pacific island countries are particularly vulnerable because of geographic isolation, long air routes and limited economies of scale.
“These pressures affect connectivity, affordability and the ability to sustain compliance with international safety and security standards,” he said.
Kologeto said aviation safety and security must remain closely aligned as Pacific states respond to emerging operational and regulatory risks.
He acknowledged PASO’s role in helping member states implement International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, standards and recommended practices, but said additional progress was required across the region.
The minister endorsed the Comprehensive Oversight Implementation Framework, or COIF, and urged PASO to accelerate implementation to ensure all member countries receive support equitably.
“Solomon Islands, like many of our member states, is still awaiting its full turn under this initiative. No country should be left behind,” he said.
Kologeto also welcomed ICAO’s participation in the meeting, including workshops focused on aviation regulatory arrangements and institutional strengthening.
He said the ICAO Implementation Support Roadmap aligns with priorities identified during a recent regional ministers meeting aimed at strengthening PASO and accelerating aviation reforms across member states.
On discussions surrounding the Review of Regional Architecture, Kologeto said PASO should remain an independent regional aviation regulatory body.
“Any reforms must strengthen PASO, enhance its capability, and reinforce its mandate — not absorb or dilute it,” he said.
The minister called on regional leaders to strengthen PASO, fully implement COIF and reinforce aviation safety and security standards across the Pacific.
The 22nd PASO Council Meeting and Annual General Meeting concludes on 21 May 2026 in Honiara.
