Fiji Airways selected for Fiji Airports management contract

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andre Viljoen says having management oversight at Fiji Airports will enhance a number of existing synergies between the two companies.

"We have had a strong working relationship with Fiji Airports for many years and this management agreement will elevate services to the next level. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for a new approach to managing Fiji's airport infrastructure and ensuring its fighting fit for what lies ahead."

"The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the aviation sector, and historic operating models and structures are in many cases, no longer relevant or optimal. Through this agreement, we will provide strategic leadership, and manage the airport ecosystem under the policies and guidance of Fiji Airports Board of Directors and its shareholders," Mr. Viljoen added.

"I can assure you that as part of this new arrangement, the governance, staff contracts and agreements at Fiji airports will be unaffected. Fiji Airports Limited will also retain its current board of directors, and maintain its same responsibilities - including a return to its shareholders."

The core task of an airport is the provision of necessary infrastructure required for aircraft operations, the management of terminals, ensuring the provision of efficient ground handling, cargo services, air traffic management, and compliance with all regulatory, safety and security legislation.

It should also deliver a pleasant and welcoming quality customer experience, engaging retail, and food and beverage services, along with a safe and secure environment for workers and travelers including baggage processing and check-in services.

"This is exactly what we will deliver on as the new management company for Fiji Airports. Using our tried and tested service development and quality culture innovations, through various education and training programmes we are confident of improving operations at Fiji Airports on all levels."

Fiji Airways plays a vital role in ensuring that Fiji is connected to the world, bringing in travelers, delivering freight services, and providing a range of important economic benefits to the nation.

"In the past five years, Fiji Airways has launched new services to Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco and come November, we will be flying twice weekly to Vancouver. We also have a modern aircraft fleet to provide best possible customer experience and connections. Our infrastructure on the ground must be able and ready to receive and process more flights, baggage, cargo and most importantly, more travelers in and out of Fiji," Mr. Viljoen said.

"There cannot be a 'disconnect' between airlines and airports. Now, more than ever, we need these two companies to be in lockstep, working together to ensure that every airline, every visitor, returning Fijian, freight shipper and inter-island traveller sees the very best of our country represented at our airports."

The appointment of Fiji Airways under a Management Services Agreement to oversee Fiji Airports will enable a step change in the operations of Fiji Airports. The addition of Fiji Airways expertise to the Fiji Airports team will unite these organisations to work as one, for the benefit of the whole country and at the same time create a myriad of new opportunities for the Fiji Airports team.

Fiji Airways will ensure that potential revenue streams at Fiji Airports are fully realized. It is incumbent on any airport to maximize the commercial spend of travellers by creating interesting and engaging retail experiences at all points of their journey. Engaging with airlines and private operators to ensure their needs are met, will open up new, and as yet untapped revenue opportunities for Fiji Airports.

Ensuring that Fiji Airports is well positioned to recover from the recent shocks to the aviation industry and prosper in a new operating environment will help support the employment, retention and development of its staff. Much of the work undertaken by Fiji Airports is technically complex and creating more of these skilled roles is important as it has multiplier effects on the economy.

This new direction will ensure that infrastructure improvements are made across the group with new facilities to enhance the traveller experience to be built at outer island airports (Savusavu, Taveuni, Labasa), Suva Nausori and Nadi International Airport in the coming years. At the same time we will create new and closer collaboration with various stakeholders across Fijian aviation to create a common purpose and vision for all involved in Fijian aviation.