Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in her speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Regional Airport Terminal and Apron Projects at Faleolo Airport, stressed the impact of the upgrades on Samoa’s air travel and economy.
“The new Regional Airport Terminal will enhance air travel connectivity, stimulate economic growth, create jobs in aviation, tourism, and hospitality, attract investment, and increase trade opportunities,” said Prime Minister Mataafa.
She also highlighted that the project aims to improve transportation, making it easier for businesses to operate and facilitating tourist movement, symbolising Samoa’s commitment to modernising infrastructure and embracing the future of aviation.
“The Regional Airport Terminal project is designed to cater to the needs of small aircraft and the traveling public, mainly focusing on servicing air transport from the Pacific Region, namely Tonga, Fiji, Pago Pago, Niue, Tuvalu, and the Cook Islands, as well as domestic routes to Maota and Asau in Savaii. The construction of the project targets the upcoming CHOGM meeting in October 2024, with a focus on aircraft parking and passenger movement to ease the load at the current Faleolo International Airport Terminal.”
The project is estimated to be completed by September of this year, with an estimated cost of SAT$10 million. Additionally, a new apron will be constructed jointly with the new terminal to assist with aircraft slot management and accommodate private jets and smaller aircraft. The apron area will have 5-8 parking slots for private jets and is expected to be completed around the same time as the terminal, with an estimated cost of SAT$15 million.