To achieve true inclusion of the Pacific Island States in the International Civil Aviation (ICAO) will be formally expressing its interest to have an ICAO office to be established in the country.

With the organisation’s theme as “no country should be left behind”, Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) Executive Chairman Faiz Khan proposed for this change.

He made the proposal at the ICAO workshop for Pacific Island States at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday.

Nadi International Airport has long been a regional hub for Pacific Islands Aviation.

It is the largest and most developed aviation centre in the independent Pacific Islands.

“The Past can be learnt from, but the future is where we are looking. In that spirit Fiji will be formally expressing its interest to have ICAO to have an office at Nadi to be closer to the Pacific,” Mr Khan said.

“Our collective goal is to ensure safe, integrated, efficient and sustainable air travel in the South Pacific.”

Mr Khan said that Fiji and the Pacific countries are committed to Safety.

“We are committed to aligning our Navigation Services and Aerodrome and Ground Aids activities to the ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan and Global Air Safety plan,” he said.

“Pacific Island states are unified through their common goal for development and through many adversities, we need to develop a better and more efficient search and rescue understanding to ensure a coordinated approach amongst the Pacific Island Countries.”

He added “To achieve true inclusion of Pacific Island states with the ICAO theme that no country should be left behind we need better inclusion and transparency.”

Regional Officer Air Traffic Management Asia and Pacific Office ICAO Len Wicks said the workshop would strengthen the Island system.

“The Islands normally represents a small resource so it’s very difficult to keep up with the leading nations,” Mr Wicks said.

“It has also been stressed the need that the small nations be given the necessary support, so this is the Primary reason for the workshop to try and lift the stages or the technical support that they need.

“I think the most crucial thing the Pacific can do is work collectively, we have our national aim but at the same time as closer together as one we can work together for the common aim and support.”

Topics of discussion for air navigation and ground safety that are designed to educate  for better safety, efficiency and sustainability will be in the top talks at the workshop.

Altogether nine states are part of this workshop which will come to an end on Thursday.

Edited by: kathrin krishna

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