Fiji Airports Strengthens Technical Leadership: Tamata and Bulamaibau appointed to key positions

Fiji Airports has strengthened its commitment to operational excellence, safety, and future-focused technical leadership with the appointment of key roles across its airport network.

William Tamata, Manager, Electrical & Mechanical Services

William Tamata has been appointed as the new Manager, Electrical & Mechanical Services, while Alisi Bulamaibau has been promoted to the position of Aerodrome Maintenance Engineer.

Mr Tamata brings more than 15 years of electrical engineering experience across Fiji, the United Kingdom and Europe, including senior roles involving the management of critical airfield electrical systems at some of the world’s busiest airports, such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and airports under the Manchester Airport Group.

His appointment carries strong personal significance.

Born and raised in the Fiji Airports compound, Mr Tamata returns to the organisation where his father, Mr Epeli Tamata, served for decades as a technician and Station Officer in the Electrical Department at Nausori Airport.

He previously worked at Fiji Airports from 2009 to 2017, where he was mentored by the now Senior Manager Projects (Renewable Energy), Mr Waqa Taukei.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari said the appointment reflects the organisation’s strategic focus on developing leaders who combine global experience with a grounded understanding of Fiji’s aviation landscape.

“William’s story is one of legacy, leadership, and loyalty,” said Mr Nawari. “We are proud to welcome him back, not only to lead a critical technical function, but to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Mr Tamata holds a Bachelor of Engineering Technology from the University of the South Pacific and a Master of Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney.

A former head boy of Lelean Memorial School, Mr Tamata is an alumnus of the ICAO-ROK Fellowship in Airport Lighting and Management under the Korea Airports Corporation and is married with two sons.

As an aerodrome maintenance engineer, Ms Bulamaibau leads a team responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and certification of core aerodrome infrastructure at Nadi International Airport to ensure safe aircraft operations and compliance with Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Alisi Bulamaibau, Aerodrome Maintenance Engineer

Originally from Vanuaso Village in Gau, Ms Bulamaibau holds a qualification in Civil Engineering and brings nearly a decade of industry experience. She described her promotion as the realisation of a childhood aspiration to pursue engineering.

“Engineering may be a male-dominated field, but I see being a woman in this space as a strength,” she said.

“It drives diversity of thought and encourages other young women to follow the same path.”

The appointment also supports Fiji Airports’ strategic goal to be the world-class aviation hub of the Blue Pacific, underpinned by strong leadership and a skilled, empowered local workforce.