Fiji Airports advances accessibility and sustainable airport operations with new electric ambulift

Fiji Airports has marked another milestone in its journey towards becoming the World-Class Aviation Hub for the Blue Pacific with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art fully electric Ambulift at Nadi International Airport.

Funded through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with financing from the Government of Japan, the new Ambulift strengthens Fiji Airports' commitment to delivering world-class airport infrastructure, operational excellence and an inclusive travel experience for all passengers.

Designed to safely board and disembark persons with reduced mobility and passengers requiring additional assistance, the Ambulift will provide a safer, more comfortable and dignified travel experience.

As Fiji Airports’ first fully electric operational vehicle to operate on the airside, the Ambulift also represents an important step in the organisation’s transition towards cleaner airport operations.

The investment supports Fiji Airports’ Master Plan, which is guiding the development of smarter, safer, more inclusive and more resilient airport infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand and strengthen Fiji’s role as an aviation gateway for the Blue Pacific.

The commissioning event also featured demonstrations of a new walk-through metal detector and passenger screening equipment at the primary screening point. The technology will further strengthen aviation security and support more efficient passenger processing at Nadi International Airport.

The Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Hiroshi Tajima (front), Fiji Airports chief executive Mesake Nawari and the Regional Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Subregional Office, Ms Azusa Sato beside the new Passenger Screening X-Ray Machine at Nadi International Airport.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari said the new equipment reflected the organisation’s focus on improving the passenger experience through inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.

“This commissioning represents far more than the introduction of new equipment. It is about ensuring that every passenger can travel through our airport safely, comfortably and with dignity,” Mr Nawari said.

“The new electric Ambulift will strengthen accessibility while also supporting our transition towards cleaner airport operations.”

“Together with our development partners and stakeholders, we are building airport facilities that are more inclusive, efficient and prepared for the future needs of Fiji and the wider Pacific.”

Mr Nawari said the Ambulift would help establish a pathway for the wider adoption of electric operational vehicles across the airport environment.

“As our first fully electric operational vehicle on the airside, the Ambulift provides a strong foundation for introducing more sustainable equipment and vehicles as we continue implementing the Fiji Airports Master Plan and progress towards our Net Zero carbon emission target for scopes 1 and 2 by 2030.”

The Regional Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Subregional Office, Ms Azusa Sato, said the investment demonstrated ADB’s commitment to supporting inclusive, resilient and sustainable infrastructure in Fiji and across the Pacific in partnership with the Government of Japan and Fiji Airports.

The Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Hiroshi Tajima, said Japan was pleased to support an initiative that would directly improve accessibility and service delivery for passengers.

“As air travel and tourism continue to grow across the Pacific, ensuring accessibility for all travellers is becoming increasingly important. Investments such as this demonstrate Fiji's commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and people-centred transport system.”
Fiji Airports acknowledged the continued partnership of the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan in strengthening infrastructure and operational capability at Nadi International Airport.

Their support has contributed to projects that enhance passenger processing, accessibility, operational resilience and health preparedness while advancing the development of a modern and reliable aviation gateway.

The Ambulift will be operated by six specially trained Fiji Airports drivers. The drivers have completed specialised operational training delivered by technical experts from China, ensuring the equipment is operated safely and efficiently.

The Regional Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Subregional Office, Ms Azusa Sato (far left in a wheelchair), joined the Ambassador of Japan to Fiji, His Excellency Hiroshi Tajima, in a demonstration exercise on the use of the new Electric Ambulift during its recent launch at the Nadi International Airport.

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