After months of preparation and planning Barakoma airfield in South Vella, Western Province welcomed its first flight after many years during a proving flight on Sunday.
The proving flight operated by the Solomon Airlines Twin Otter was undertaken by officials from the Ministry of Communication and Civil Aviation, Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, Solomon Airlines and other government officials.
Reopening of Barakoma airfield is one of the goals by the current Member of Parliament (MP) for South Vella Fredrick Kologeto who is also the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Communication and Civil Aviation (MCA).
Minister Kologeto, acknowledged the importance of reviving rural air services.
It was highlighted that the trial opens the doors for rehabilitation of Barakoma Airfield, boosting accessibility, tourism, and economic opportunities.
Locals gathered to witness the proving flight much to the excitement of the local villagers.
It was reported that many villagers described the test flight as a “new chapter” for transport and connectivity in Vella La Vella.
A senior officer from the Airport Corporation who was part of the proving flight said, the proving flight is a first test in ensuring the airfield can accommodate an aircraft like Twin Otter.
Its understood that Solomon Airlines in consultation with other stakeholders will decide when flight services will start to operate into Barakoma.
Barakoma was a US-built wartime airstrip in the 1940.
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