SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority’s (SIPA) newly appointed board chairman says their trip last week to Singapore was to learn how that country manages its airline service.
His explanation confirmed plans by SIPA to venture into the airline business as part of its reform programme.
Mr Titiulu’s clarification came after public criticism of their trip.
Critics claimed the trip was initiated by SIPA chief executive officer Colin Yow to lure the new board into supporting his controversial reform programme.
Mr Titiulu confirmed SIPA intends to venture into airline business.
“The recent trip was to allow the board members to get some form of familiar understanding of how Singapore manages a successful airline service, an area in which SIPA is aspiring to venture into in its reform agenda,” he said.
“It is a proposed business plan on the pipe-line which the board has yet to deliberate on for a final decision,” he added.
Mr Titiulu said at the moment, the idea is still a proposal with no scrutiny and concrete approval by the board.
He said the board had met once only for the first time for an orientation briefing on the day to day operations of SIPA.
“We are yet to deliberate on the many issues affecting SIPA operations,” said the chairman.
Mr Titiulu said the board expects to meet next week to deliberate on the many issues of concern.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
