Apia, Samoa – 30 May 2025 – The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) successfully concluded PASO Week 2025, held at the LAVA Hotel in Apia, Samoa. Officially opened by the Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, the week-long event brought together aviation leaders, regulators, and key stakeholders from across the Pacific to advance regional aviation safety, security, and collaboration.

This year’s event was proudly hosted by Samoa, a PASO member state, through the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) and its Civil Aviation Division. PASO Week 2025 featured two days of specialized technical workshops and culminated in PASO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Themed “Safer Skies, Connected Lives – Our Pacific Vision”, the event underscored the region’s shared commitment to building safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation systems. The technical workshops provided valuable platforms for training, knowledge-sharing, and dialogue among Pacific aviation professionals and international partners.

PASO Council Chair, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu reflected on the success of the week:

“We are proud of the progress made this week, particularly in advancing technical collaboration and reaffirming our shared goals through the AGM. Samoa has been a gracious host, and the outcomes from PASO Week 2025 will further strengthen the aviation sector across the Pacific.”

Key Highlights from PASO Week 2025:

• Technical Workshops focused on safety oversight, regulatory compliance, emerging aviation technologies, and the pilot launch of the Cook Islands Oversight Integration Framework (COIF) – a model that may soon be extended to other member states.
• Engagement with international partners, including representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), donor partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Strategic discussions during the AGM addressing organizational governance, enhanced member services, approval of the 2025–2026 Work Programme and the approval of the PASO 2024 Annual Report.
• Milestone achievement: ICAO officially recognized PASO as an international organization with observer status at ICAO events – a significant step in elevating PASO’s regional and global role.
• Leadership re-elections: Samoa was re-elected as Chair of the PASO Council, with Tonga and the Cook Islands re-elected as Deputy Chairs of the Operations and Corporate Subcommittees, respectively.

PASO extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Samoa for its warm hospitality and to all delegates, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of PASO Week 2025.