New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced a significant investment of $13.3 million (approximately US$7.69 million) over the next five years aimed at enhancing aviation security across the Pacific region. This funding will be allocated for the procurement of new airport x-ray and scanning equipment, alongside technical and training support at 11 airports throughout the Pacific.
Peters expressed that this financial commitment will greatly benefit the region by bolstering transport security, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards, and enhancing the overall safety and security of air travel for passengers in the Pacific. He emphasized New Zealand’s dedication to combating trans-national crime and other security threats within the region, highlighting the importance of this partnership.
In line with this initiative, Associate Minister for Transport James Meager, who oversees the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), noted that the implementation of this project will be coordinated by New Zealand’s CAA in collaboration with aviation regulators and airport authorities in countries including Niue, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
Meager underscored that this program demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure aviation within the region, which is vital for maintaining connectivity among Pacific communities. The investment reflects an ongoing effort to improve aviation infrastructure and security, enabling safer travel experiences for all in the region.
As this initiative progresses, it provides hope for enhanced regional cooperation and improved safety standards, which are essential for the continued development and integration of Pacific nations into the global aviation network.
Leave a comment