The Faleolo International Airport will be given a major upgrade as Samoa prepares to play host to the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October next year. 

A recent edition of the Government-owned Savali newspaper reported that a new VIP Lounge will be built to replace the current facilities at the airport, which were originally built in 1984 and received its last major upgrade almost ten years ago in 2014.

The project to build the new VIP Lounge, which has been endorsed by the Cabinet, will connect with the airport terminal to allow convenient access to the departure and arrival lounges, especially for VIP guests who will arrive in the country. 

“Construction should be completed in 10 months by August 2024 and will cost the [Samoa Airport] Authority $6 million tala,” said the S.A.A. Chief Executive Officer, Silimanai Ueta Solomona. 

The second project at the Faleolo International Airport will address further terminal improvements in the lead-up to the international summit.

Acknowledging the support of the New Zealand government through the New Zealand High Commissioners’ Office in Apia, a partnership agreement was signed last week with the Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai.

The partnership agreement includes the supply, installation and maintenance of aviation security screening equipment donated by New Zealand and funded through the Pacific Security Fund at a cost of SAT$1.5 million.

“The installation of these new equipment will ensure Samoa’s continued compliance with ICAO standards and best practices and it is a timely investment as Samoa prepares to host the CHOGM meeting in 2024,” said the Minister. 

The equipment includes three x-ray machines for carry-on baggage, one x-ray machine for checked baggage, one x-ray machine for large cargo, three walk-through metal detectors, a workstation for baggage inspections, a new air-conditioning system, and an explosive trace detection system.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa has previously confirmed that the Cabinet has endorsed the progress of the country's preparations to host the 26th CHOGM in Apia next year, which will be overseen by a National Task Force that will be established to lead and coordinate all preparations for the country's hosting.