Press Release
6th February 2025
Design of New Air Traffic Control Towers at Honiara and Munda Airports Underway.
Solomon Islands is advancing its aviation infrastructure with the design of new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda Airports, valued at over SBD 58 million. This project is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), led by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with funding from the World Bank.
The construction contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under a Design and Build model, requiring the Contractor to develop detailed designs covering civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire, and hydraulic systems.
Site visits were held on January 25, 2025, in Munda, and January 27, 2025, in Honiara, involving the Contractor, Project Support Team, MCA Engineers, Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited Technical Officers and Supervision Consultant.
The design of the ATCT is progressing and will ensure compliance with local and international aviation and building standards. The new towers will be built to withstand harsh weather conditions and climate impacts while incorporating modern air traffic control technology to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of air travel to and within the Solomon Islands.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, said: "We are excited to see construction begin on these new towers, which will greatly improve air travel in our country. I am also pleased that their design will reflect local influences and Solomon Islands culture. We thank the World Bank for its continued support through SIRAP2 and for helping to improve air travel safety and efficiency."
In addition to the new ATCT, SIRAP2 is also working on Building four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe 1, Kolofe 2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), Upgrading roads in Noro, Improving Honiara and Munda Airports, as well as Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, investing in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces and Supporting maintenance of regional airports.
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