Airport Terminal Services staff, Ligieta Vorivori (left) serves Kelly and Paul Davison at one of the check-in counters at the Nadi International Airport yesterday. Inter Island Airways (Fiji) Limited has requested for counter at six airports in the country as it prepares to start operations. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By RACHNA LAL

Airports Fiji Limited is currently looking into the requests made by the soon-to-arrive new domestic airline service provider, Inter Island Airways (Fiji) Limited.
Airports Fiji acting chief executive, Naushad Ali, confirmed meeting the president of the airline, Barney Sene last week, where the airline presented some of its requirements.
“They have basically given us the things they require and one of the things we are currently working on is counter space and scales for them in at least six airports,” he said.
Mr Ali said Inter Island Airways (Fiji) has asked for counters at airports in Nadi, Nausori, Labasa, Matai, Savusavu and Lakeba.
“The next step for Airports Fiji is we are identifying where we can give them counter space and scales in the various airports they have asked for,” he said.
“Once we are ready and everything is confirmed, probably by next week, we are looking to meet them again.”
As Airports Fiji is still working on the associated costs of getting these counters built, Mr Ali could say exactly how much they would have to spend.
Nevertheless, he has assured that Airports Fiji is more than happy to assist Inter Island Airways wherever possible as discussions between the two parties continue.

Hangar space at Nausori
Mr Ali said Inter Island Airways (Fiji) is also looking for one of the three hangars currently available at Nausori Airport.
“The old Air Pacific hangar is available and we are willing to lease this for five years,” he said.
But Mr Ali said the hangar needs refurbishment as it is not in a very good state.
He also said they can lease it only for a period of five years because of Airports Fiji’s 10-year development plan for Nausori Airport.
“We will then want to start the upgrade for an international hangar as per our development plans,” he said.
“Two out of three hangars are already leased; one to Northern Air and the other to a company for Neil Underhill.”

Competition good for people
Mr Ali believes the entry of Inter Island Airways (Fiji) will be good in terms of competition and other things.
“If there is competition, it will benefit all Fijians and Airports Fiji will benefit with increased revenue,” he said.
“Consumers will benefit will cheaper airfares and more frequent flights.”