Samoa and other Pacific countries recently attended the Singapore Dialogue to discuss how the Southeast Asian nation could assist the region amid an evolving aviation landscape.

The dialogue in Singapore from 22–24 October 2023 came at the invitation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, which was extended to the heads of civil aviation in the Pacific Islands and also coincided with the ICAO Air Navigation World 2023 Summit. It was convened to discuss how Singapore could assist the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in aviation's evolving landscape, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) on Monday.

Notably, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) leadership team, who were visiting Singapore for the ICAO Air Navigation World 2023 Summit, also hosted the PSIDS delegates. This unique assembly of aviation authorities put the future of aviation in the Pacific Islands front and centre. Samoa was represented by the MWTI Chief Executive Officer and secretary for Transport, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu.

During the Singapore Dialogue, the PSIDS Delegation presented a list of priority needs to CAAS and ICAO. These included inspector training, state safety plans, accident and incident investigation, search and rescue, artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, logistical and supply chain, cyber security, and visits by the PSIDS Liaison Officer to the PSIDS States. Addressing these areas will be instrumental in optimising aviation operations within these island nations.

An outcome of this dialogue was the establishment of a new Pacific Liaison Office (PLO), to be based in Nadi, Fiji. Funded by the Singapore government for the first three years, this office will be operational before the end of 2023.

Ma Tao, the ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Director, also elaborated on the essential role that this new office will play. Stemming from a study conducted by ICAO in 2019, the PLO will cater specifically to the needs of the Pacific Island States, ensuring a dedicated ICAO presence in the region.

In a generous move, CAAS also donated a check of $100,000 Canadian dollars to the ICAO Secretary to further support the PLO.

The Singapore Dialogue was attended by delegates from both the PSIDS and Singapore, demonstrating the commitment on both sides to address aviation issues in the region. The delegates from the region included John Hosking (Cook Islands), Theresa Maria Levestam (Fiji), Moses Virivolomo (Solomon Islands), Lebuu Littler (Palau), Glenn Harris (Federated States of Micronesia), Benedict Oraka (Papua New Guinea), Sosaia Maake (Tonga) and Mitateti Mote (Kiribati).

The Singapore Dialogue was hailed as a success, marking a further commitment by Singapore to support the Pacific Islands in aviation. The establishment of ICAO in the Pacific will complement the services delivered by the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO). Mr. Benedict Oraka, the Director of Civil Aviation from Papua New Guinea, expressed gratitude on behalf of the PSIDS delegation to ICAO and CAAS.

As the dialogue came to a close, the PSIDS delegation were hosted to a farewell dinner by Singapore’s non-resident Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum, Mary Seet-Cheung. The visiting delegation's appreciation remarks were delivered by the Secretary of Transport for Samoa, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu.