NEW DEPARTURE TERMINAL OPENS FOR PUBLIC
Passengers checking in at the departure terminal today.
Travelers departing the country will now be using the new international departure terminal.
The terminal opened its doors to the public on Monday this week, following its official handover last month.
Terminal Operation Supervisor, Eleanor Meli confirmed this to SIBC in an interview today.
“All international departures will now be at the new departure terminal, and no longer at the old terminal.
For check ins’, we have Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways, and Air Niugini. Air Niugini’s counter for checking in opens today so we will be doing departures for those as well,” she said.
Ms. Meli adds, all their staffs are well trained to carry out their respective responsibilities in the terminal.
“Prior to the handing over, all the staff were trained on how to operate the equipment’s in the terminal, like the CCTVs’ and mics.
They have been briefed on all these different equipment’s,” she said.
The terminal has received approval from passengers travelling to Brisbane today.
Ms. Primrose Lagafoli expressed approval towards the new terminal.
Ms. Primrose Lagafoli
“ For first impressions, it is a really nice facility as it is more advanced than our previous departure terminal, and the first thing I noticed was it is fully airconditioned.
It is also a good sign of development as entry points and exit points into our country must have such good impressions.”
Another passenger, Mr. Tex Tafoa says, he is proud to see such a standard infrastructure in the country.
“As a person who travels out of the country regularly, I believe this terminal has elevated us to a standard where we can say it is international and as a Solomon Islander, I am proud that we can finally have such a facility where we can call it our pride as well.”
Meanwhile, a Researcher from ANU, Mr. Colin Wiltshire has also described the facility as a positive development for the country.
ANU Researcher, Mr. Colin Wiltshire
“It is a big improvement, I very much like how it’s a lot cooler. The air-condition has also made this terminal more comfortable so I believe it is a positive development for Solomon Islands.”
The terminal was funded by Japan at a cost of around 399 million Solomon Dollars.
ENDS//