Representatives from 15 Pacific Islands countries & territories (PICTs) and various international aviation regulators gathered in Suva, Fiji last week to discuss aviation security in the Fourth Pacific Directors of Civil Aviation meeting.

Aviation regulators attending included the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and various aviation security agencies from Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Tonga was not represented at the meeting and according to the organizer of the meeting, the security issue relating to a Chinese made MA60 aircraft that has been certified to fly in Tonga was not raised at the meeting. 

The meeting provideded the opportunity for PICTs to discuss broader international aviation security developments and activities.

The meeting highlighted key challenges facing the region such as the need to have appropriate legislation and regulations in place to support the implementation of effective national aviation security regimes.

Delegates also acknowledged the continued need for refinement of aviation security programmes, including on-going training and capacity building activities.

Discussions included the need to enhance security awareness programmes in each country. Members wanted to promote the identification and reporting of suspicious activity, sharing of information, the use of media to increase understanding of aviation security requirements.

It was noted at the meeting that the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the South Pacific Council and key regional stakeholders would commence work on developing a Pacific Aviation Security Statement. It would support PICTs in understanding specific regional threats, risks and vulnerabilities in aviation security.