The upgrade to Lupepau'u Airport for proposed international direct flights to Vava'u has begun with the installation of a security x-ray machine, while discussions are underway on who will provide that service.

The construction of the airport's new runway is expected to start next month to be completed by June this year with navigational aids to be installed in July.

Viliami Ma’ake the CEO of Tonga Airports Ltd said they were currently in discussion with Fiji Airways to explore opportunities for direct flights from Nadi to Vava’u and to connect Vava’u directly to Australia, Samoa, New Zealand and the United States.

He said it is important that the support facilities at Lupepau’u Airport are strategically planned to facilitate the proposed regional and international flight links.

“The economic value that these new routes will bring to the Vava’u economy will be significant as more jobs will be created. Opportunities to boost tourism development in Vava’u will be major with increased flights and new markets."

At the same time, the Prime Minister Hon 'Akilisi Pohiva had earlier this week mentioned a proposition by the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fulivai, for a new domestic airline with bigger aircraft to connect Vava’u to Suva, Auckland and Honolulu.

The Governor said today the Prime Minister is expected to travel Vava'u next week to discuss this matter and information would be confirmed then.

Renovation

Meanwhile, the x-ray unit valued at $130,000 pa’anga was manufactured in Germany.

The x-ray unit will be used for screening of passengers and hand-held luggage departing on international flights, as required by the international aviation security standards. The terminal was also renovated at the check in counter area, new signage and bathroom facilities also costing $130,000 pa'anga.

Viliami said that Tonga Airports is grateful to the World Bank for their ongoing support in developing safe and secure air transport operations.

The new navigational aids and new runway will be financed under the Tonga Aviation Investment Project, a component of the Pacific Aviation Investment Program financed by the World Bank to support expansion of the aviation sector in Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tonga.