A test flight to Lomlom airport will be conducted this month says the director of civil aviation.
George Satu told the Solomon Star upon arrival from Lomlom on Wednesday that testing of runway surface will be done this month.
“Flight test for the Lomlom runway surface will be done anytime of this month.”
Its either Dash-8 or the Twin Otter aircraft that would be engaged to conduct the flight test on the surface runway before the official opening,Mr Satu said.
He said the date to do the flight test will be announced next week.
“I know the runway surface is solid but the report from today’s (yesterday) inspection will determine the runway surface testing.
“But I want to assure my good people on Reef Islands that the surface testing would be done this month, once passed the official opening of the airport will take place,” he said.
Mr Satu thanked the former NCRA government for providing funds to build the airport which would boost the economic activities in the Reefs.
“I understand that transporting of goods between Honiara and Lata has been a challenge. Therefore once this airport opens soon it would boost the economy activities of Reefs island,” he said.
Meanwhile Mr Satu urged people on the island to take good care of the airport since its an expensive development.
By DENVER NEWTER
