BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
A total of 15 Air Traffic Service (ATS) trainees have graduated and equipped with additional knowledge to enable them to contribute to the safety of everyone using the Solomon Islands airspace.
The graduation ceremony involved individuals who are recruited in 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2019 and were awarded with certificates by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation yesterday.
Minister for Communication and Aviation Peter Shannel Agovaka said the graduation involves 15 ATS trainees since 2011- 2019 recruitments and some of the trainees graduating have already done their advance trainings in Air Traffic Control Trainings in the Singapore Aviation Academy in 2015 and 2016.
Agovaka said as Minister it is important to have these trainings so trainees can manage and administer the air spaces, especially dealing with the Automatic Depend Surveillance- Broadcast (ADS –B).
He said some of the above-mentioned trainings were done here in Honiara and some trainings were done by ICAO recognised Institutions within the region.
“Today (yesterday) marks the biggest achievement for my Ministry in three folds, firstly our human resources development and training for staff. Secondly the ADS-B advance training for staff for the use of ADS-B equipment in Solomon Islands and official commission of the ADS-B for the users- Airlines and Operators that flies into Solomon Islands to be monitored by the ADS-B,”Agovaka said.
Permanent Secretary to MCA Moses Virivolomo said the ministry is now equipped with the new graduands who have successfully completed their trainings starting way back in 2011.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you all for the passion, commitment and perseverance that you have gone through to be able to come through this far,” Virivolomo said.
He said the Ministry depends on people to carry out work. Having these additional trainees will make us have a safe air space.
Virivolomo said the new graduands will contribute in making Honiara and Munda safe airports to operate with the ADS-B equipment in Solomon Islands.
“I commended those who have done the training for the ADS-B use and also the people behind them who have supported them and provided necessary technical assistance,” he said.
Tony Telford representative from Solomon Islands Road Aviation Program also congratulated trainees for their achievement and their contribution to improve the safety of every-one using the Solomon Islands airspace.
