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Australia and New Zealand have helped upgrade the Solomon Islands’ Seghe Airfield, improving aviation interconnectivity across the Solomon Islands.
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The $55 million project was co-funded by Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands and undertaken by Downer and AECOM.
The airfield, which was handed back to the Solomon Islands in early July, will ensure that the Solomon Islands can operate flights under all conditions.
The aviation boost will ensure greater economic growth in the region, enhance tourism, and provide access to essential services, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters said.
“The upgrade of the Seghe Airfield runway in Western Province will enable flights to operate under all weather conditions, making operations safer and more reliable, and enhancing connectivity for Solomon Islands’ provinces,” Deputy Minister Peters said during a visit to Solomon Islands.
“We are delighted to have worked with Australia on this project and to hand the airfield back to the people of Solomon Islands so that it can contribute to the country’s economic resilience.”
“As well as boosting local jobs, the upgrade will support the growth of the tourism industry, expand economic opportunities, and improve access to essential services and more equitable development across the provinces.”
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele opened the airfield on 2 July.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong outlined that the program was one of a range of recent airfield upgrades to support the Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele has made it clear economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development were his government’s number one priority,” Minister Wong said.
“Australia and New Zealand have listened and are responding, working with the Solomon Islands government to upgrade Seghe Airfield to bring greater economic benefits, including tourism, to Western Province.
“This upgrade is part of a broader program of high-quality airfield upgrades supported by Australia and New Zealand to help unlock Solomon Islands full economic potential.”
The announcement comes as the government confirmed a raft of new ambassadorial appointments, including the appointment of Max Willis as Australia’s next high commissioner to the Republic of Vanuatu.
Willis previously served in the Solomon Islands, the United States, and Papua New Guinea.
“Australia and Vanuatu have a deep and enduring bilateral partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, cultural connections and a common interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” a release from Minister Wong read.
"Australia is committed to supporting Vanuatu’s priorities of long-term economic resilience and recovery, including from tropical cyclones Judy, Kevin, and Lola in 2023.”
