COMMUNICATION AND AVIATION COMPLEX BUILDING OFFICIALLY OPENED AND HANDED OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF SOLOMON ISLANDS.

Honiara, Solomon Islands – 30 September 2026

The Government of Solomon Islands has taken another significant step towards strengthening national Communication and Aviation infrastructure and improving coordination among key Government agencies with the official opening and handover of the new Communication and Aviation Complex Building at the Honiara International Airport Compound.

The official opening and handover ceremony was officiated by the Program’s Guest of Honour Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, who formally opened the new facility and witnessed its handover to the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. The new facility was officially opened on Wednesday 30 September 2026, marking an important milestone in the Government’s efforts to improve the working environment and operational capacity of agencies responsible for communication, aviation and border-related services.

The facility has been handed over to the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and will provide a central location for key Government agencies operating at Honiara International Airport.

These agencies include the:

• Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA);
• Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI);
• Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.

The co-location of these agencies under one roof is intended to strengthen inter-agency coordination, improve communication and collaboration, and support more efficient delivery of Government services at the country’s main international gateway.

This high quality standard building is a significant milestone in the partnership between the World Bank and the Government and people of Solomon Islands. This building complex represents the country’s future and it is built according to New Zealand and Australian building standards, housing the critical enablers of the aviation industry which is a key pillar of the Solomon Islands economy.

The completion of this building is testament to the solid partnership and the excellent performance of the line Ministries, the Project Support Team, the contractor and supervision consultant.

Significant Investment

Built with cyclone and earthquake-resistant structural materials, the new multi-story facility with 50 year design life is located on a 3,000 m² site, 130 meters north of the Honiara International Airport Departure Terminal. The Communication and Aviation Complex Building was delivered at a project cost of USD 5,771,547.68, approximately $40 million in SBD. The project was funded by the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project 2 (SIRAP 2) and constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CRCEG), with Egis Singapore PTE Ltd providing construction supervision services.

Formal contract documents to carry out construction work was signed on November 1^st, 2024 with the actual construction work on the building, commencing in December 17^th, 2024 and its official opening and handing-over in September 30^th, 2026. Indicating a one year, nine months project from inception to completion.

The investment reflects the Government’s continued commitment to developing modern, functional and fit-for-purpose infrastructure to support the effective delivery of public services and the growth of the communication and aviation sectors.

The new facility will provide improved office space and working conditions for personnel from the respective agencies while creating an environment that supports closer cooperation between institutions whose functions are closely connected to the movement of people, goods and aircraft through Honiara International Airport.

Strengthening Government Coordination

The official opening and handover ceremony is graced with the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister (Acting Prime Minister) and Minister of Public Service, Honourable Francis Belande Sade and brought together Senior Government officials, aviation sector stakeholders, development partners, project representatives and other invited guests to formally recognize the completion of the facility.

In acknowledging the completion of the project, Guest of Honour, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto recognized the commitment and contributions of the Government, development partners, contractors, technical teams and other stakeholders whose collective efforts made the project possible.

The completion of the Aviation Complex Building demonstrates the importance of Government and development-partner cooperation in delivering infrastructure that supports national priorities. He added that the new facility will end years of reliance on rented offices and allow government funds to be redirected to other services and programmes.

The Government expects the new facility to contribute to improved coordination and service delivery among the agencies operating from the Honiara International Airport Compound.

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Solomon Islands for its continued commitment to strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The Ministry particularly acknowledges the World Bank for its financial and development support towards the project and its continued partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands.

The SIRAP 2 Project Team is also greatly acknowledged for the important role it has played in coordinating the project and working with the project’s various stakeholders from the commencement of the construction phase through to its completion stage.

Further acknowledgement is rendered to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CRCEG) for undertaking the construction of the Aviation Complex Building, including the efforts of its management, engineers, technical personnel, workers and sub-contractors.

Special recognition is also extended to Egis Singapore PTE Ltd which has provided construction supervision services for this contract. Egis effective supervision is fundamental to ensuring that the building infrastructure is delivered according to the required standards and specifications.

The Ministry further acknowledges the Guadalcanal Provincial Government for hosting this critical national infrastructure in its eastern end land boundary.

The Ministry as well acknowledges the contributions of the relevant Government ministries, agencies, project management and technical teams, consultants, airport management and staff, and all stakeholders who provided valuable support and cooperation throughout the planning, implementation and completion of the project.

Also the Ministry acknowledges the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands, Customs, and Immigration and Quarantine for their cooperation and commitment as the key agencies that will operate from the new facility.

A New Chapter for Aviation Infrastructure

The official opening and handover of the Aviation Complex Building marks an important achievement for the Government of Solomon Islands and the aviation sector.

The facility represents a practical investment in strengthening Government infrastructure, improving inter-agency coordination and creating a more conducive environment for the delivery of essential aviation and border-related services.

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation looks forward to working closely with the respective agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the new facility is effectively utilized and maintained for the benefit of Government operations and the people of Solomon Islands.

Deputy Prime Minister (Acting Prime Minister) and Public Service Minister, Hon. Francis Sade being escorted to the venue for the official opening and handing-over of the new Communication and Aviation Complex Building at the Honiara International Airport.

Guest of Honour and Communication and Aviation Minister, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto delivering the handing-over ceremony’s Key Note Address.

World Bank Country Representative Mr. Bernard Harborne delivering his speech on behalf of World Bank.

Guadalcanal’s Provincial Secretary conveying his Speech on behalf of the Provincial Government and people of Guadalcanal.

World Bank’s Bernard Harborne receiving his appreciation gift from the Guest of Honour on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. Witnessing the Presentation of Gifts is Deputy Prime Minister (Acting Prime Minister), Hon. Francis Sade.

EGIS Representative presented with the appreciation gift.

Presentation of the appreciation gift to Representative, China Railway Civil Engineering Group.

Deputy Prime Minister (Acting Prime Minister) Hon. Francis Sade and Guest of Honour, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto and senior officials posing for an official photograph in front of the new Communication and Aviation Complex Building.

Guests and officials entering the compound of the new Aviation Complex Building to view the various office spaces within the building.

One of the office space inside the Building’s second floor. Touring of Guests to view the different office spaces within the Building is led by the DPM, Hon. Francis Sade.

MID and MCA officers inside another of the building’s office space on the second floor.

Senior guests and officials at the official handing-over ceremony of the Communication and Aviation Complex Building.

Staff of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation listening to speeches during the program.

The new Communication and Aviation Complex Building standing tall against the clear blue sky.

Night – view of the Building

Left Side-Corner view of the building