Runway testing

Kiribati

underway

A TEAM of aviation and engineering experts has begun testing the runway strength of Kiribati’s three international airports at Tarawa, Kanton and Christmas Island.

The tests are to determine if the runways are strong enough to accommodate 8737-400 aircraft which begins flying into the country soon.

Kiribati media reported that although the Bonriki runway upgrading in Tarawa is not complete, half of the runway has been used by Air Nauru’s 737-200, and it is anticipated the 400-series can use it as well.

The runway tests are aimed at resuming the Christmas-Honolulu connection, wliich had been stopped by the US Federal Aviation Authority, because Air Nauru’s 8737-200 which served the route, did not have a “Collision Avoidance System”, required under FAA rules.

Secretary for transportTekenTokataake said Air Nauru’s 8737-400 has the system installed and the plane can be used for the Nauru- Tarawa, Christmas and Honolulu flights, if the tests proved posi tive.