New ground support equipment arrives at Honiara Airport, boosting Solomon Airlines safety, efficiency and operations under SIRAP2.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) announced the arrival of additional ground support equipment at Honiara International Airport on 30 December 2025, marking a key milestone under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). Financed by the World Bank and implemented by MCA, the equipment was supplied by Shanghai Cartoo Machinery Company Limited, a manufacturer specialising in aviation ground support equipment. The equipment was handed over from MCA to Solomon Airlines at a handover ceremony held on Monday 12 January 2026 at Honiara International Airport, attended by MCA, Solomon Airlines, and the World Bank.
The World Bank Country Representative to Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne, said the assistance provided to Solomon Airlines through MCA under the flagship SIRAP2 is of great importance to the aviation industry, as it supports safer, more reliable, and more efficient air transport services that are critical for national connectivity and economic development.
Receiving the equipment, Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Airlines, Paul Abbott, said the new ground support equipment will significantly enhance the airline’s daily operations, improving efficiency, reliability, and safety across its ground handling services. Abbott noted that several of the equipment items are being acquired by Solomon Airlines for the first time, marking an important milestone in strengthening the airline’s operational capacity. He said the support comes as a major boost to the company and is a timely investment that will help the airline better meet operational demands while improving service delivery to passengers.
The newly acquired equipment include an aircraft tow tractor, air start unit, ground power unit, diesel hybrid ground power unit, and transformer rectifier unit. These are designed to improve aircraft turnaround times, strengthen ground handling operations, and ensure continued compliance with international aviation safety and operational standards.
The Permanent Secretary for the MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, welcomed the arrival of the equipment, stating that the new ground support equipment is critical to effective ground handling services, which are an integral part of the aviation system and contribute directly to aerodrome safety. Danitofea said the equipment will enable Solomon Airlines to operate more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly manner, while meeting modern aviation safety and operational requirements. He added that the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure and ensuring that airlines operating in the country are supported with the necessary tools to deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality air services.
SIRAP2’s impact extends beyond Honiara International Airport. The project continues to support transport and aviation improvements across the country, including the construction of four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, ongoing maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of the East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometres of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
Sources: Second Solomon Islands Roads & Aviation Project (SIRAP2)
