Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari and Japanese Embassy charge de affairs a.i. Kenichiro Tanaka participated in the commissioning of a covered walkway at Nausori International Airport.

Mr Nawari said the event marked a pivotal step in Fiji Airports’ overarching plans to elevate the standards of facilities and services at Nausori Airport “while keeping in mind that Fiji Airports manages Nausori airport and the other 13 outer island airports on behalf of the Government of Fiji.”

He acknowledged the Government of Japan for generously funding the stowable covered walkways at Nausori Airport and the Asian Development Bank for facilitating the project.

“The funding was part of the ‘Enhancing COVID-19 Preparedness for Tourism Recovery Project’ under the ‘Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific’ through the Asian Development Bank,” Mr Nawari said.

“Your commitment and support to enhancing infrastructure and passenger experience at Nausori Airport is truly commendable, and we are deeply appreciative of the collaboration that has brought us to this milestone.

“The new covered walkway will provide a more comfortable and efficient experience for passengers as we anticipate an increase in travel and commercial activity for Nausori Airport, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of our nation and the prosperity of our local communities.

“This year, Fiji Airports will be celebrating its 25^th Silver Jubilee in April and I think in business, getting older is a distinguishing mark of success – a badge of honour and today’s unveiling adds to our journey.

“Fiji Airports has inspired, guided and supported many emerging individuals that have contributed to our success story, and we would not be what we are today without your continuous support.”

He also thanked the Japanese Government and ADB for their generous support, adding, that the continued assistance on areas of common interest would undoubtedly propel Fiji Airports towards achieving even greater milestones in the future. 

Charge affairs a.i. of the Japanese Embassy Mr Tanaka commissioned the stowable covered passenger walkway and said the Japanese Government was pleased to have supported Fiji Airports’ request to fund the purchase and installation of the infrastructure.

“One of the key outcomes of the project is to restore international tourism travel to Fiji and I am pleased to note that this has already been achieved,” he said.

“The project has supported Fiji Airports with the purchase of other important equipment for its airports with the specific focus of strengthening the foundation of sustainable and resilient economic growth through the provision of quality infrastructure.”