Case study atlas
Enhancing Aviation Safety and Security in the Pacific Islands: A Strategic Approach
Preparing a business case and design to strengthen aviation safety, security and regulatory compliance across the Pacific.
The challenge
In 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) embarked on a mission to strengthen aviation safety and security across the Pacific Islands. This initiative aimed to bolster regional aviation authorities' compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, ensuring safer skies and more secure airports.
What we did
- MFAT commissioned a scoping report and business case, prepared by Kirsty Burnett, outlining a strategic plan to support Pacific civil aviation and airport authorities — a significant step forward for international development in the aviation sector.
- The proposed support included a blend of technical assistance, training, and security equipment for countries adhering to the Pacific Islands Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty, reinforced by the New Zealand Government's commitment, announced at the Pacific Islands Forum in Apia, to fund security equipment.
- Kirsty worked closely with senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) to clarify the project's rationale, explore funding options, and establish effective procurement strategies, ensuring the programme's design was robust and aligned with regional needs.
- PASO conducted needs analyses for Pacific state civil aviation regulators, leading to the development of regulatory gap analyses and implementation plans funded through the newly secured budget.
Outcomes
Benefits and outcomes MFAT's investment assisted PASO to support aviation safety regulatory compliance amongst its members and to achieve financial stability as an organisation. Additionally, CAANZ gained clarity on its role in implementing a multi-million dollar package for security equipment and training. Kirsty's ability to translate complex aviation concepts into clear, actionable plans was instrumental in the project's success, earning praise from officials at both CAANZ and PASO. As Andrew Valentine, General Manager of PASO, noted, "Kirsty gets things done; she listens, sees the problem, asks questions, and adapts processes—all with a dollop of humour and good grace."
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