Transforming Ha'apai: The resurfacing of Salote Pilolevu Airport runway
At a glance
GHD embarked on a mission to rehabilitate the Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha'apai, Tonga, ensuring the safety and efficiency of its runway to support the island's connectivity and economic development.
The challenge
Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Ha'apai's Salote Pilolevu Airport is a lifeline for the local community, facilitating essential social, business, and tourism activities. However, the airport's aging chip seal surface was rapidly deteriorating, posing risks to aircraft operations and necessitating urgent repairs. The project faced a myriad of challenges, including delays relating to COVID 19, unpredictable tropical weather, cultural sensitivities around work schedules, and logistical hurdles due to the remote location. Additionally, the scarcity of locally available high-quality materials required innovative solutions to ensure the runway's durability.
Our response
GHD's team of seasoned engineers rose to the occasion, restoring the runway’s integrity and lifespan with a double coat chip seal. The project involved meticulous planning and collaboration with the local community and contractors to address cultural concerns and minimise disruptions. Despite the challenges, the team sourced premium sealing chips from Fiji and conducted rigorous material testing to ensure the highest standards of quality. The improved drainage system further enhanced the runway's resilience, safeguarding it against future weather-related issues.
The impact
The successful resurfacing of Salote Pilolevu Airport's runway has had a transformative impact on the Ha'apai community. The improved runway can handle more flights, making it a reliable place for emergency landings and refuelling for local flights. It can also serve as a backup airport for medium-sized planes. This upgrade has bolstered the island's connectivity, fostered economic growth and strengthened social ties. The project's success has also paved the way for future collaborations, with GHD securing additional projects in the region, namely the Kaufana Airport runway resurfacing project. By overcoming significant challenges and delivering a high-quality solution, GHD has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing infrastructure and supporting community development in the Pacific.