Samoa Faleolo International Airport

Samoa’s Faleolo International Airport completes $102 million tala facelift

The facelift, which cost about $102 million tala was funded by the World Bank.

“Tonight (Tuesday) marks another successful achievement along the Government’s journey towards sustainable development,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

There were eight components to the project.

The runway lights which have been in operation since 1987 were replaced and upgraded.

The Air traffic control communications systems were also replaced with newer communication devices.

Fire trucks, rescue boats and generators were also bought to boost services.

Australia provides Forum Fisheries with a plane

A new plane has been introduced, primarily to assist the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in monitoring illegal fishing activities in the region, and will be based at Faleolo International Airport.

Samoa Police Service said the plane will support Pacific Police Maritime patrol boats in "monitoring illegal fishing in our region."

It said it would also allow the monitoring of illegal activities in the Pacific, especially transnational crime threats.