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SPC & Association of South Pacific Airlines sign MOU

NOUMEA, New Caledonia — The Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) and SPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in May to enhance collaborative efforts contributing to safe, secure, reliable and affordable aviation transport services across the Pacific Islands.

Building on common goals and interests, the MOU formalizes the already strong ties of partnership, cooperation and collaboration between SPC and ASPA.

Established in June 1978, ASPA is the peak airline association in the South Pacific. Representing the interests of 16 member airlines, together with 24 service provider members, ASPA is uniquely placed to advise and advocate on a wide range of issues affecting aviation in the South Pacific.

Combined with SPC's well-developed networks throughout its 22 Pacific Island member countries and territories, this MOU represents a significant opportunity to maximize positive aviation outcomes for ASPA and SPC members and, more broadly, the region.

One of the immediate areas the partnership will address is the development of a magazine focusing on aviation issues in the South Pacific. Produced by SPC in consultation with ASPA, this initiative aims to revive ASPA's former South Pacific Aviation Magazine. A new design and name are currently under development for the first issue, to be released in June 2012. 

SPC Director-General Dr Jimmie Rodgers said, “SPC welcomes this formalized partnership and in particular the opportunity to further strengthen the regional aviation framework in the South Pacific”. He added, “This follows a similar agreement between SPC and the Pacific Aviation Safety Organization last year, emphasizing SPC's ‘many partners, one team’ approach.”

ASPA Secretary-General George Faktaufon welcomed the signing, saying “This agreement is an exciting development for ASPA, the first of its kind for our organization; we are looking forward to working with SPC to pursue common goals in aviation.”

The MOU took effect on 29 May and will have a duration of four years.

For more information, contact Stuart Valentine, Aviation Research Officer, Economic Development Division, SPC, Suva, Fiji (Tel.: +679 337 9329; email: StuartV@spc.int

(Source: SPC media release)