The Solomon Islands Airports Corporation (SIACL) Board of Directors celebrated the first anniversary of the new State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) being in operation at the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
The location was appropriate as the Solomon Islands Government along with the New Zealand Government, provided grant funding to establish SIACL to corporatise and operate airports in the Solomon Islands.
SIACL was officially established on 1 October 2023, and since then, it is working diligently to provide efficient airport services to the people of the Solomon Islands.
The Board of Directors, along with the management team, is committed to improving airport infrastructure and services to a high level.
The corporation is focused on providing safe, secure, and sustainable airport services to the people of the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr Jonathan Schwass highlighted the strong role New Zealand had played in the creation of the airports SOE, since as far back as 2011.
“We are delighted to see the SIACL celebrate its first birthday. It is very encouraging to see the progress that the corporation has made in a short time and we offer our sincere congratulations to the government, the SIACL Board and management on all their hard work.”
Permanent Secretary (PS) of Finance and Treasury McKinnie Dentana also acknowledged the Solomon Islands and New Zealand Governments for their significant contribution towards the establishment of SIACL.
He also stated that SIACL had made significant progress over the past year, and he was confident that the corporation would achieve greater heights in the future.
Mr. David Wright, Chairman of the SIACL Board of Directors paid tribute to the CEO and management team of SIACL for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the success of the corporation.
He reiterated the board’s commitment to ensuring that SIACL continues to provide efficient and fit for purpose airport services to the people of the Solomon Islands.
SIACL CEO, Mike Clay, acknowledged the staff at SIACL for the significant change they have all gone through over the past year with the transition across from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation into the new SOE.
They had not only kept the airports operating successfully but planned and guided the business through the Pacific Games which was the busiest period in Honiara International Airport’s history.
Mr Clay also thanked the SIACL Board of Directors for their support and guidance, and stated that SIACL had achieved significant milestones over the past year.
In conclusion, the SIACL Board of Directors pledged its commitment to ensuring that the corporation continues to improve and deliver efficient airport services to the people of the Solomon Islands.
– NZ High Com
