Fiji Airports enhances aircraft docking Capability at Nadi International Airport

Fiji Airports has completed the installation of four Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (AVDGS) units at Nadi International Airport, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and strengthen operational capability at Fiji’s main international aviation gateway.

The four units form part of ten AVDGS systems generously gifted by Australia’s Canberra Airport.

The Australian Government, through the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program also supported transportation costs for the equipment, and with the costs of installing and commissioning the units.

The AVDGS technology provides visual guidance to pilots as they manoeuvre aircraft into designated parking positions at airport gates. The systems measure aircraft speed and detect centre-line deviation with centimetre-level precision.

The technology supports accurate aircraft positioning and is expected to contribute to more efficient aircraft turnaround operations once it is fully operational next year.

Technical personnel from Canberra Airport, together with an expert from ADB SAFEGATE, a global provider of advanced visual docking guidance technology, travelled to Nadi to support the installation of the systems.

Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, Michael Thomson, said the initiative demonstrated the value of regional collaboration and the sustainable reuse of aviation equipment.

“We are proud to partner with Fiji Airports and the Australian Government to give this technology a new purpose at Nadi International Airport,” Mr Thomson said.

“Reusing the equipment is a practical and sustainable outcome, and the provision of our team’s expertise in assisting with its installation also reflects the strong partnership between our two regions and our shared commitment to supporting aviation across the Pacific.”

Fiji Airports Acting Chief Executive, Kelepi Dainaki, welcomed the contribution, saying the installation represented a valuable addition to Nadi International Airport’s infrastructure.

“This is an important step in strengthening our operational capability at Nadi International Airport as we continue to modernise our infrastructure and improve the services we provide to our airline partners,” Mr Dainaki said.

“We sincerely thank Canberra Airport and the Australian Government for their generous support. This partnership demonstrates how regional collaboration and the practical reuse of aviation technology can deliver long-term benefits while supporting sustainable infrastructure development across the Pacific.”

The installation supports Fiji Airports’ vision of becoming a future-ready, globally recognised airport operator and air navigation service provider.

James Ramsay, Executive Director of the P4A Program, said, “The successful handover and installation of these units show how regional aviation partnerships can extend the operational life of proven equipment while sharing technical expertise to strengthen airport operations.”

Through strategic partnerships and the adoption of practical technology solutions, Fiji Airports continues to strengthen its infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and support the development of a more connected and capable aviation sector across the Blue Pacific.