A momentous occasion unfolded at Faleolo on Friday as Samoa marked the groundbreaking ceremony for its new $25 million Regional Airport Terminal. 

Dignitaries, government officials, the business community, and members of the public converged to witness this auspicious event, signifying a significant leap forward in the nation's infrastructure development.

The formalities commenced with a solemn service led by Reverend Livigisitone Peseta of the Methodist Church in Satapuala, setting a reverential tone for the day's events. 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, acting as the Minister of Aviation, took the podium to deliver a keynote address highlighting the profound importance of the project.

In her address, Fiame emphasised the strategic significance of constructing a new Regional Airport Terminal and Apron at Faleolo. 

She articulated that this venture exemplifies Samoa's steadfast commitment to modernising infrastructure and embracing the future of aviation. 

Fiame underscored the multifaceted benefits of the project, including enhanced air travel connectivity, catalysing economic growth, job creation in aviation, tourism, and hospitality sectors, attracting investments, and fostering increased trade opportunities.

"This important occasion marks a transformative step towards enhancing Samoa’s air transport connectivity and will contribute immensely to the development of our economy," Fiame said.

"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. 

"It will also improve transportation, making it easier for businesses to operate and facilitating tourist movement symbolising our commitment to modernising infrastructure and embracing the future of aviation in Samoa."                            

Designed to accommodate small aircraft, such as twin-otters and ATRs, the Regional Airport Terminal will alleviate congestion at the current Faleolo International Airport terminal. 

Anticipated to be operational by September of the current year, the terminal's completion precedes the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.) slated for October in Samoa. 

The project comes with an accompanying apron extension to facilitate private jets and Boeing 737 aircraft, providing 5-8 parking spots tailored for private jets, a timely provision for the upcoming C.H.O.G.M. gathering.

Fiame lauded the foresight of the Samoa Airport Authority's Board of Directors, management, and ministers for their forward-thinking approach in spearheading this transformative endeavour. 

She underscored that the groundbreaking ceremony marked not only the commencement of construction but also heralded a new era of opportunities for Samoan businesses and citizens alike.

Moreover, with only one terminal currently servicing both large and small aircraft at Faleolo International Airport, this development assumes paramount importance in ensuring adequate space to accommodate the influx of flights and travelers. It aims to bolster safety measures and minimise potential flight delays, particularly during high-traffic events like C.H.OG.M.

The new regional airport terminal is projected to incur expenses totaling $10 million tala, with an additional $15 million tala earmarked for the construction of the new apron.

Looking ahead, the new terminal is poised to expand its reach beyond domestic routes, envisioning future connections to Pacific neighbours like Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Tuvalu, and the Cook Islands. 

The architectural blueprint for the terminal was meticulously crafted by Sucon Consulting firm. 

It is understood that the construction of the new regional airport terminal and apron will require the involvement of two construction firms.