Upgraded Equipment Improving Aviation Safety for Solomon Islands
The safety of international and domestic aviation in Solomon Islands has been significantly improved with Australian-funded runway clearing and weather observation equipment upgrades.
Specialized runway equipment at Honiara and Munda airports – the Foreign Object Debris, or FOD-BOSS – is clearing foreign objects from runways such as rubbish, stones and other objects that can seriously damage aircraft wheels or be sucked up into plane engines.
In country last week, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology also completed the final inspection of the upgraded Automatic Weather Observation System at Honiara airport. Regular maintenance and technical checks are important to ensure equipment are providing consistent weather information for safe aviation operations.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said Australia continued to be a long-term supporter of Solomon Islands’ aviation safety.
“Safety is the number one priority in aviation, and these runway clearing devices and modern weather stations make air travel even safer and give more comfort to those flying in Solomon Islands.”
The FOD-BOSS equipment and upgraded weather observation system has been provided under the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program which is supporting improved aviation safety in Solomon Islands.
CEO of Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Ltd, Mr Trevor Willcock said the FOD-BOSS equipment allowed SIACL to prevent rubbish and foreign objects damaging aircraft, and monitor the runway surface.
“Not only does the FOD-BOSS pick up loose stones and debris, the equipment also helps us quickly detect deteriorating surfaces so they can be repaired,” Mr Willcock said.
The FOD-BOSS equipment will be operated by the airports Aviation Rescue Fire Service team and the Automatic Weather Observation System operated by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service.
Source: AHC Media Release
