Work on two World Bank-funded Air Traffic Control Towers for Solomon Islands’ two international airports is set to start soon.

Chinese state-owned company China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has won the tender to build the control towers for Honiara and Munda international airports.

The contract, valued at over SBD$90 million, aims to enhance aviation infrastructure in Solomon Islands, and is financed by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). 

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) will oversee the project’s implementation.

Alwyn Danitofea, Permanent Secretary of MCA, expressed optimism about the project.

“We look forward to seeing construction begin on these new towers that will improve air travel in the country,” Danitofea said.

“I am also pleased that they will be designed to reflect local influences and the culture of Solomon Islands,” he added.

“We are grateful for the World Bank’s support through SIRAP2 and its ongoing efforts to improve the safety and efficiency of travel to and within Solomon Islands.”

Components of the air control tower project include the design and provision of essential Air Traffic Control equipment, an Automatic Weather Observation Station (for Honiara), and a Crash Alarm System. 

In addition to the Air Traffic Control Towers, SIRAP2 includes several other infrastructure improvements, such as: construction of four new bridges in Malaita, road upgrades in Noro, airport upgrades at Honiara, Munda, and Santa Cruz (Lata), investments in air navigation systems for Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces, and support for regional airport maintenance to enhance aviation safety and resilience across Solomon Islands.