aviation

Tonga, Australia sign new agreement

The MOU was signed between Australia's Minister for Defence, Pat Conroy, and Tonga's Foreign Minister Fekita Utoikamanu on December 9.

It comprised agreements to support Tonga's budget, aviation, and seasonal workers.

Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the MOU is a testament to strong relations between the two governments.

     

Australia gives more money towards Tonga's economic recovery

Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni said the funding arrangement is to support Tonga's economic recovery from compounding shocks, including Covid-19, the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic disaster, and more recent global inflationary pressures.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed renewing the commitment to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.

A third arrangement will see the Tonga Civil Aviation Division work more closely with Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

 

Photo PM Press 

     

Pacific countries aim to collaborate more over aviation

The ministers met virtually last Wednesday and endorsed the Port Moresby Declaration.

This aims to help member countries respond to the challenges regarding aviation safety and security brought by the pandemic.

The ministers accepted the Pacific faces challenges in building and maintaining a safe, resilient, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable civil aviation system.

This includes complying with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) Standards and the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Tonga tests volcanic ash reporting procedures for aviation

This is part of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Asia Pacific VOLEX 2020 in collaboration with the Regional Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) located at MET Service, New Zealand.

Director of Meteorology, ‘Ofa Fa’anunu said “Volcanic Ash from Volcanic eruptions in the atmosphere is extremely hazardous for aircraft in-flight. So the ICAO has setup rules and procedures for Countries that have active volcanoes for proper reporting of volcanic activity in order for volcanic ash warnings and forecasts to be provided for aircrafts in flight.

Tonga to upgrade aviation standards

The Minster for Infrastructure and Civil Aviation, Etuate Lavulavu said there are many complaints from the public and aviation organisations about the safety of people travelling by planes.