Mana’oba airstrip in North Malaita does not meet the required standard to enable an aircraft to land.
Solomon Airline Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Captain Ron Sumsum revealed this over the weekend when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on Saturday.
He highlighted that Mana’oba airstrip is not commissioned, therefore unworthy for any flight serviced.
Commissioning of an airport includes examining the suitability and quality of an airport and its infrastructures to accommodate airline for flight services.
Mr Sumsum was responding to questions raised by Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke/Langalanga Matthew Wale regarding the fate of Maana’oba airport.
Sumsum told the heading that the issue on the ground for Maana’oba airport is that its not included in the flight schedule of Solomon Airline.
He said, it has nothing to do with economic reasons, rather an issue of non compliance with the standard requirements of being commission.
“The fact of the matter is Maana’oba is not a commissioned airport,” he said.
“If we go to Maana’oba then we are servicing an uninsured airport, which is impossible for airline to do,” Sumsum stated.
The CEO stated commissioning of any airport around the country is a must to ensurethe airport meets the criteria sets out by Solomon Airline in accordance to the international principles of providing airline services.
He said, that process of making commission for Maana’oba airport is not complete despite the fact that runaway has completed.
Sumsum further stated that Civil Aviation Act gives laws, and they are prescriptive laws that direct actions to be taken which they cannot resist.
“Failing to comply means it is impossible for airline to operate not only for Maana’oba but any airport that has been built,” he added.
He said that it is simple to say that it is completed.
“But the question that remains a fundamental issue here is how we do it.”
He added that there has to be a exposition in place to guarantee the safety of people, labours and the service users.
By AATAI JOHN
