Santa Cruz Airfield runway Project achieves successful Phase 1 test flight

The Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield Runway Pavement project, jointly led by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project 2 (SIRAP 2) support Team and the Egis (consultant), and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company(CHEC), successfully completed the Phase 1 of runway test flight on the afternoon of August 10th 2025.

During the test, Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) officials expressed high satisfaction with the quality and safety standards of the runway. They noted that:

1) Runway surface friction is excellent, ensuring optimal conditions for safe   aircraft landings.

2) All runway markings, including thresholds, have been executed precisely in  accordance with the Method of Work Plan (MOWP) and project specifications.

3) The test landing was smooth, safe, and comfortable, meeting operational    expectations.

4) The runway, constructed by CHEC, was praised as being “safe, sound, and built to a high standard.”

5) Officials confirmed that the runway is fully suitable for operations of the DASH 8 aircraft, with the first landing expected as early as next week.

The Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield original runway is 915m. Under the construction contract, the entire runway will be increased to 1350m after completion. The entire runway(1350m) is divided into 2 phases for construction.

Upon completion of Phase 1, which has been achieved on 10th Aug 2025 as per the construction program, the new 980-meter runway (CH0+020 to CH1+000) of Phase 1 has become operational, and the contractor (CHEC) has commenced Phase 2 (CH1+000 to CH1+350).

ENDS//

– CHEC SI Media Release