The Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield Runway Pavement project successfully completed the Phase 1 of runway test flight on the afternoon of 10 August 2025.
The project is jointly led by Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project 2 (SIRAP 2) support Team and the Egis (consultant), and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company(CHEC),
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 this week.
The original runway at Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield was 915 meters in length. Under the construction contract, the upgraded runway will extend to a total length of 1,350 meters, of which 1,310 meters will be completed with Triple Bituminous Surface Treatment (TBST) in two phases.
Phase I was successfully completed on schedule on 10 August 2025. A newly built 1,000-meter section of the runway (CH0+000 to CH1+000) has already been put into operation.
The contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), has commenced works on Phase II (CH1+000 to CH1+350).
