A brand new aviation security x-ray and radio communications equipment was handed over to Tonga Airports Limited staff today, 14 September, at Fua’amotu Airport, by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Sarah Walsh.

The x-ray machine funded by New Zealand and Tonga, cost NZ$151,000 with Tonga contributing NZ$66,000.

The new machine replaces the old one that New Zealand provided in 2006 which has come to the end of its life. The new x-ray will be used to scan passenger’s luggage after they have checked in before being loaded onto the plane.

HE Sarah Walsh said that over the last 12 years, New Zealand has been working with Tonga to put in a robust aviation security system to protect the travelling public between the two countries and across the region.

“The safety of the travelling public in the region is important to New Zealand. The new screening equipment means that the standards you find at Auckland International Airport will also be found here in Tonga”.  

She added that with the increase in aviation security incidents worldwide, it is important for Tonga to keep up with the rest of the world.

Mr Viliami Ma’ake, CEO of Tonga Airports Limited, said the new equipment will greatly enhance the level of aviation security in Tonga and in the Pacific region.

Over the next five years, New Zealand will provide NZ$11.5 million for aviation security equipment and training in the Pacific. This is in addition to it’s current funding of NZ$2.5 million to help Pacific Island countries meet their international aviation regulatory obligations.

The support will be provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office. 

Under this new funding, around NZ$800,000 will be provided to Tonga to purchase another six x-ray machines for Fua’amotu and Vava’u international airports, walk-through metal detectors, and devices to detect traces of explosives.

New Zealand will cover servicing and maintenance costs for the new equipment.

This funding is provided as part of New Zealand’s new aviation security package to countries who have signed the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty including Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Samoa and Nauru.