AVIATION agencies in the Pacific need to collaborate to lift the visibility of the region on a global scale.
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regional officer air traffic management for Asia and the Pacific Len Wicks said visibility was an important facet of the Pacific’s aviation sector.
“It is not as visible, however, this is very important given the vulnerable economies here and aviation helps strengthen trade links of the Pacific Islands, ensures safe transit for tourists and our people,” he said.
Presently, ICAO does not have an office in the Pacific region, but Mr Wicks said they would like to see such a development in the near future.
This week ICAO organised a workshop in Nadi for specialists in the aviation sector across the Pacific.
“If we are able to provide support in some ways through this workshop, it is good.”
Airports Fiji Ltd (AFL) executive chairman Faiz Khan has also urged ICAO to open an office in the region.
“We are really delighted to host the workshop in Nadi as this has happened after many years, but the idea behind this is that we want the Pacific Island countries to be recognised and be more visible,” he said.
“Up until now, workshops have been held in more developed countries and I think the common theme that unites all of the Pacific Island states and countries is our isolation.
“We are isolated from the rest of the world. One of the ways in which we overcome our constraints in terms of that isolation is through air connectivity, which is provided best when it is safe, efficient and sustainable.”
He said one of the key areas participants at the workshop would discuss was improving air navigation in the Pacific.
“The idea behind getting the Pacific Island states together is to share the challenges they have.”
Mr Khan said through this, participants would be able to identify common goals and solutions that could be worked upon.
He said this was what agencies like AFL, Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and Government were trying to achieve.
