The government-funded $25 million regional terminal at the Faleolo International Airport was officially opened on Thursday carrying with it hopes of boosting global connectivity and economic activity.

The regional terminal will now cater for flights from American Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, and the Cook Islands, along with domestic inter-island flights.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said this was a significant milestone for Samoa's infrastructure.

The state-of-the-art facilities, designed to enhance the nation’s role as a regional hub for travel, trade, and tourism, were officially inaugurated by  Fiame in a ceremony attended by government officials, stakeholders, and partners.

"This ceremony marks a significant milestone not only in the unveiling of new infrastructure but also in advancing the progress of our nation, region, and global connectivity," said Fiame.

The project, fully funded by the Government of Samoa through the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA), represents a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. 

“This project speaks to a vision shared in enhancing the status of Samoa as a regional hub for travel, trade, and tourism,” said Fiame.

"The new terminal and apron facilities represent a significant investment in our infrastructure, reflecting our obligation to advancing socio-economic development and opening opportunities for the multitude of industries in Samoa."

The newly constructed terminal is equipped to handle a variety of flights from across the Pacific. In addition, the expanded apron offers increased parking capacity for commercial and private aircraft, including those transporting delegates for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for next week.

This expansion is seen as a vital step in accommodating the expected influx of visitors for CHOGM while maintaining efficient services for regular travellers and tourists. 

With the project completed earlier this month, the expanded facilities enhance air travel capabilities and provide long-term economic benefits. 

The new apron’s additional parking spaces are expected to generate revenue for the SAA, particularly from delegations' private aircraft. The project is expected to create new employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of King Construction, who built the apron, Zheng Construction, responsible for the terminal, and SUCON Ltd for their design and supervision of the project. 

"This is a testament to our commitment to enhancing connectivity, not only between islands and nations but also between people,” the Prime Minister concluded. "It embodies our aspirations for growth, sustainability, and a future filled with endless possibilities."