Solomon Islands and Airservices Australia have renewed their long-standing agreement for the safe management of Solomon Islands upper airspace.

The five-year agreement is a continuation of more than 20 years of partnership in the management of high-altitude aircraft travelling across Solomon Islands skies, a critical area for international aviation.

Through the partnership, Airservices Australia will deliver state-of-the-art air traffic control services, and collect revenue from airlines using Solomon Islands airspace – which has delivered millions in revenue to the Solomon Islands Government.

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Airservices Australia is regulated by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is responsible for safely managing air traffic across 11 per cent of the world’s airspace.

“This agreement with Australia’s expert air traffic control agency ensures that planes will continue to fly safety across Solomon Islands airspace, and delivers millions of dollars in revenue each year to Solomon Islands.”

“This renewal underscores the strong partnership and mutual commitment to safe air navigation and capacity development in the Pacific region.”

Airservices Australia collects fees from all airlines using Solomon Islands upper airspace and provides to the Solomon Islands Government ‘Special Aviation Fund’.

In 2023, the government received over SBD$10 million to the fund.

The agreement also provides for the sharing of knowledge and expertise between Airservices Australia and Solomon Islands aviation sector, including a study into Air Traffic Services and Aviation Rescue.

Solomon Islands Minister for Aviation and Communication, Hon Frederick Kologeto, said the agreement would continue to strengthen regional aviation safety and provide training opportunities for Solomon Islands aviation sector.

“This agreement brings confidence for those flying above Solomon Islands and revenue to our people from those using our airspace.”