Fiji Airports Aviation Academy hosts first-ever ACI–ICAO Annex 14 Workshop in Fiji

Participants of the ACI-ICAO Annex 14 workshop with Fiji Airports chief executive Mesake Nawari (seated far right) alongside ICAO Pacific Small Islands Developing States liaison officer Kyal Barter (second from right), ICAO facilitator Venkat Narayan Samy and Fiji Airports General Manager, Assets and Infrastructure Kelepi Dainaki (far left) at the official opening of the workshop in Nadi.

Fiji Airports is strengthening its role in regional aviation development through its Aviation Academy, which this week hosted the Pacific’s first Airports Council International & International Civil Aviation Organization (ACI–ICAO) Annex 14 Regional Workshop in Nadi.

ICAO Pacific Small Islands Developing States liaison officer Kyal Barter facilitates at the opening of the ACI-ICAO Annex 14 workshop at the Fiji Airports Aviation Academy in Nadi.

The week-long workshop has brought together technical personnel from Fiji Airports and aviation representatives from Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu for specialised training on ICAO Annex 14 standards for aerodrome design and operations.

Hosted at the Fiji Airports Aviation Academy (FAAA), the workshop highlights the Academy’s growing role as a regional centre for aviation training, technical upskilling, and knowledge-sharing for Pacific Island countries.

Annex 14 is critical because it guides daily airport operations, safety inspections, audits, and emergency preparedness. It is the foundation of safe airport operations worldwide and is especially important in the Pacific, where consistency across airports supports stronger regional collaboration.

For many Pacific nations, aviation is a critical lifeline that supports connectivity, trade, tourism, and access to essential services. By building technical capability across the region, the Academy is helping to strengthen safer, more efficient, and more resilient airport operations throughout the Blue Pacific.

The workshop was officially opened by ICAO Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Officer, Kyal Barter, who said regional collaboration was key to supporting safe and sustainable aviation systems.

This workshop represents a vital step forward for Pacific aviation. By strengthening understanding and implementation of Annex 14 standards, we are supporting safer, more resilient aerodrome operations across our island nations," Mr Barter said.

"Collaboration at this level ensures that no state is left behind in meeting global aviation requirements."

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari said the Aviation Academy was becoming an important platform for building regional aviation capability.

“Hosting this inaugural ACI–ICAO Annex 14 Workshop at the Fiji Airports Aviation Academy demonstrates our commitment to building technical capacity and supporting the development of safe, compliant, and efficient aerodrome operations across the region.”

Mr Nawari said the Academy continued to play a key role in developing aviation professionals and supporting closer cooperation among Pacific Island countries.

“We are proud to welcome our colleagues from Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu. The Fiji Airports Aviation Academy provides a valuable platform to exchange expertise, strengthen partnerships, and collectively enhance aviation safety standards throughout the Blue Pacific.”

Airport Vanuatu Limited Safety and Compliance Officer Adrian Hake said the workshop had provided valuable knowledge that participants could apply in their home countries.

“Upskilling our staff is a key part of our business plan, and this workshop has provided valuable knowledge that I can take back home and gradually implement within our operations and technical teams,” Mr Hake said.

“One of my core responsibilities is conducting audits, and the insights gained here will greatly enhance that work. We sincerely appreciate Fiji Airports for extending this opportunity to their Pacific brothers to participate.”

The ACI–ICAO Annex 14 Regional Workshop forms part of Fiji Airports’ broader efforts to grow the Fiji Airports Aviation Academy as a leading training hub for the Pacific and to support the region’s alignment with international aviation standards.
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"For Fiji and many of our Pacific neighbours, aviation is not just a mode of transport ?it is a lifeline," Mr Nawari said.

Fiji Airports staff with regional participants at the Fiji Airports Aviation Academy during the ACI–ICAO Annex 14 Workshop in Nadi.