Tuvalu will soon receive US$23 million in grant financing to enhance its aviation sector, the World Bank has announced.
Through its Tuvalu Safe and Resilient Aviation Project, the Bank says it aims to improve the safety of air travel for all Tuvaluans and visitors, with critical improvements to Tuvalu’s only international airport and runway.
It notes the project will also help ensure that the nation’s aviation sector continues to meet international standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Seve Paeniu, Tuvalu’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, highlights that “ensuring the safe, resilient, and reliable travel of passengers in and out of Tuvalu by air is critical for access to overseas education; jobs; health care; trade, and economic opportunities.
“This important support from the World Bank will ensure our airport is able to withstand future climate related emergencies,” he said.
The project focuses on upgrading critical airport equipment; improvements to airport infrastructure to strengthen its resilience to disasters and climate events; as well as strengthening the capacity of aviation regulators and operators and other technical support.
