Minister Kologeto calls for strengthened regional aviation safety as Solomon Islands hosts 22nd PASO Council Meeting and AGM

26/05/2026

Minister Kologeto (c) with Regional delegates at the opening of the PASO Council Meeting and AGM in Honiara

Minister Kologeto calls for strengthened regional aviation safety as Solomon Islands hosts 22^nd PASO Council Meeting and AGM

Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Minister for Communication and Aviation, Hon. Frederick Kologeto, officially opened the 22nd Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) Council Meeting and Annual General Meeting in Honiara today, calling for stronger regional action to keep Pacific skies safe and connected.

Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, Hon. Kologeto acknowledged the founding members of PASO for laying the foundation for regional aviation safety cooperation.

He thanked the PASO Council Members for choosing the Solomon Islands as the host this year, and recognised the PASO General Manager, staff, and the logistics committee for their work in organising the meeting.

He also paid respects to the traditional landowners of the land that hosts the visiting regional and international delegates during a brief traditional welcome ceremony by the Tandai House of Chiefs.

Kologeto said the meeting’s theme, “Safer skies, connected lives – Our Pacific Vision,” is a necessity for the region.

He noted that aviation connects Pacific people, supports economies, and enables participation in the global community.

He highlighted that the Solomon Islands Government is prioritising aviation through sound policy, infrastructure investment, and institutional strengthening. Key initiatives underway in Solomon Islands include:

Development of a 10-year aviation master plan to guide growth, sustainability, and resilience.
Upgrading and sealing provincial runways to accommodate Dash 8 operations and improve connectivity between Honiara and the provinces.
Construction of two new control towers at Honiara International Airport and Munda Airport to enhance air navigation services and safety.
Review of aviation legislation to create an enabling legal and regulatory framework for sector growth and modernisation.

The Minister noted that the meeting comes at a time of global uncertainty. The Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving volatile fuel prices, which hit Pacific countries hardest due to long routes, isolation, and limited scale.

These pressures affect connectivity, affordability, and the ability to sustain compliance with international safety and security standards.

He stressed that aviation safety and security must go hand in hand, and that Pacific states must keep pace with evolving global risks.

Kologeto acknowledged PASO’s work in supporting Member States to improve the effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, but said more progress is needed.

He endorsed the Comprehensive Oversight Implementation Framework (COIF) as the solution and urged PASO to accelerate its rollout so all Member States benefit equitably and on time.

“Solomon Islands, like many of our Member States, is still awaiting its full turn under this initiative. No country should be left behind,” he said.

The Minister welcomed ICAO’s presence and its workshop on delegations, saying it supports efforts to strengthen legal and institutional arrangements for aviation regulation.

He also highlighted the ICAO Implementation Support Roadmap (ISR), which aligns with priorities set at the recent Regional Ministers Meeting to strengthen PASO and speed up implementation across Member States. He urged Council Members to give the ISR serious consideration.

On the Review of Regional Architecture (RRA), Kologeto said PASO must remain a standalone aviation regulatory body.

He emphasised that PASO’s independence ensures dedicated focus on safety and security, technical integrity, and regional ownership of oversight functions.

“Any reforms must strengthen PASO, enhance its capability, and reinforce its mandate—not absorb or dilute it,” he stated.

Kologeto concluded by calling on Council Members to strengthen PASO, fully implement COIF, and reinforce both safety and security across the region.

“Let us build not only safer skies and connected lives, but resilient systems, stronger compliance, and a Pacific aviation sector that is future-ready,” he said.

The Minister officially declared the 22nd PASO Council Meeting and Annual General Meeting open, and wished delegates productive deliberations this week. The meeting concludes on Thursday.

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