Nadzab airport terminal, Morobe province, Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Pacific Aviation Ministers have launched what they are calling a ground-breaking 10-year Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy at the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly in Montreal.
The Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy 2022-2032 is a plan for a harmonised, collaborative, and connected Pacific aviation system that supports safe, secure, and sustainable air travel across the region.
Papua New Guinea Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt Photo: Namatanai Star
On behalf of 18 Pacific Island States, the strategy was officially launched by the Papua New Guinea Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt.
"It presents a clear pathway for achieving a strengthened Pacific aviation system and community going into the future," he said.
The strategy tackles issues like regional cooperation, aviation capability, along with safety and security, the pandemic, environmental protection, and regional harmony.
The secretary general of the ICAO, Juan Carlos Salazar, described the new strategy as "a major turning point" for the Pacific region.
"I wish to emphasise ICAO's unwavering commitment towards the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) to facilitate safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable international aviation, and invite Member States to continue their support so that we can advance the achievement of the ICAO Strategic Objectives in the Pacific, and worldwide," said Secretary General Salazar.