New equipment improves ground handling at Honiara Airport

By Andrew Curran.

Aviation infrastructure in the Solomon Islands received a boost this week after the World Bank and Solomon Islands Government handed over ground service equipment at Honiara International Airport (HIR) on January 12, 2026.

The kit included an aircraft tow tractor, air start unit, ground power unit, diesel hybrid ground power unit, and transformer rectifier unit supplied by Shanghai Cartoo Machinery Company Limited and financed by the World Bank.

The handover is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) – a project designed to strengthen aviation infrastructure, safety, and operations across the Solomon Islands.

Big benefits for Solomon Airlines

The big beneficiary will be local carrier, Solomon Airlines, which, measured by passengers carried, is the dominant airline flying in and out of the small island nation. It carries around 32% of all international passengers travelling to and from the Solomon Islands and almost 100% of passengers taking domestic flights.

Solomon Airlines also acts as the primary ground handler for all airlines using Honiara International and other airports around the country.

Paul Abbott, Solomon Airlines CEO, said that the new ground support equipment will significantly improve airline’s daily operations, efficiency, reliability, and safety across its ground handling services. 

Among other practical outcomes, the new equipment will speed up aircraft turnaround times.

“With this equipment, our teams can continue to provide safer, more reliable, and efficient air connectivity services for our communities across the country,” said Abbott.

World Bank behind Solomon Islands' aviation infrastructure upgrades

The World Bank is actively involved in the development of aviation infrastructure at Solomon Islands’ airports. Other ongoing projects, delivered via SIRAP 2 and involving the World Bank, include work to upgrade the Honiara Airport rescue fire services station, Honiara Airport aviation complex building, Honiara and Munda (MUA) Airports air traffic control towers and equipment, and Santa Cruz Airfield (SCZ).

According to Aero South Pacific’s country briefs, which you can download for free, there are 18 airports across the Solomon Islands serviced by Solomon Airlines. In addition, Air Niugini, Fiji Airways, and Qantas operate scheduled passenger services to and from Honiara.

Photo credits: Solomon Airlines.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com