Project to enhance navigational safety and emergency response at key airports across Fiji

Fiji Airports chief executive Mesake Nawari (standing) second from left and GM Air Traffic Management and Operations Amit Singh (fourth from left) with executives and staff of TEC International following the signing in Japan.

Fiji Airports has taken a significant step forward in its aviation modernization agenda with the signing of a JPY 1.18 billion (approximately FJD $18 million) contract with TEC International, marking a significant agreement in improving aviation safety facilities across Fiji’s airport facilities.

The award signing took place at the Fiji Embassy in Japan by Fiji Airports Chief Executive Mesake Nawari and the General Manager Air Traffic Management & Operations Amit Singh, marking a key milestone in Fiji’s national aviation infrastructure development.

This critical project, earmarked to improve aviation safety facilities, will introduce critical upgrades in air navigation systems, emergency preparedness and flight procedure design.

“This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Fiji and Japan to fostering safer skies and resilient aviation infrastructure throughout the Pacific,” CEO Mesake Nawari said.

“This initiative not only elevates the safety and operational standards of our airports but also reinforces Fiji’s role as a key aviation hub in the region.

“We are grateful to JICA and the Government of Japan for their continued support.

“The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) formalized its support through a grant agreement signed with the Fiji Government of the Republic of Fiji in September 2024.

Key project components include the installation of a VOR/DME Navigational Aids at the Momi (Nadi) and Labasa Airport to enhance en-route and terminal navigation.
 

The grant also included the deployment of five airport rescue firefighting (ARFF) vehicles at respective stations in Nausori, Labasa, Savusavu and Matei Airports.

The Nadi International Airport ARFFS team will also receive three new rescue boats to boost their emergency water response capabilities in the Nadi Bay.

Fiji Airports Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) officers have also graduated from the Instrument Flight Procedure Design Course as part of this grant agreement earlier this year.

This accreditation allows these specialists the ability to design new approach procedures based on VOR/DME for Nadi International Airport and Labasa Airport and update flight procedures that utilize VOR/DME (and NDB) at Nadi International Airport.

They also will be able to update relevant airways (and creating new ones if necessary) in conjunction with VOR/DME installations.

“The Soft Component training has already been delivered with Fiji Airports staff who are in the process of updating the required Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) associated with the new VOR/DME as part of their on-the-job training.

“They will also be able to design the new approach and departure procedures for Nadi and Labasa Airports when the upgraded VOR/DME system is operational and provide updates to existing flight procedures and airways based on the new infrastructure.

“Fiji Airports personnel are actively updating procedures as part of their training and the project is being carried out with the technical leadership of Japanese consultants.”

Nawari adds that this project is part of Fiji Airports’ broader modernization strategy to ensure global compliance and enhance air traffic services across the nation’s airspace.