Members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of the Asia Pacific region met in Nadi yesterday in a bid to better understand various solutions of Common Regional Virtual Private Network (CRV).

“The objective of this week’s meeting is to focus on the implementation of a new and common communication network for the Asia-Pacific region,” Fiji Airports Limited Executive Chairman Faiz Khan said.

“Systems are constantly evolving to enhance the overall air traffic efficiency and safety. Collaboration of minds and team work brings out the best results.”

Mr Khan was opening the workshop at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau yesterday.

He said: “We are trying to enhance and develop our system based on how an Air Navigation provider communicates with various airlines and aircrafts while they are navigating through the air space.The essence is that air traffic has grown significantly over the last decades and it is going to grow even further into the next decades and beyond.

“How can we ensure that the system we have that provides information to the aircraft for their safe, efficient, reliable and sustainable air navigation is upto date with the ever increasing demands?”

The high level meeting is hosted by Fiji Airports Limited for Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kiribati, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Vanuatu delegates.

Fiji Nomination

Mr Khan said: “Fiji is a pioneer State of CRV with active participation from Fiji Airports’ own Kelepi Dainaki since 2014.

“ICAO’s target for Air Navigation Service Providers is to rollout CRV by 2020. Fiji Airports is honoured to be given an opportunity to co-chair CRV until its targeted implementation in 2020.

“We humbly put forward to ICAO Kelepi’s name as a nomination for CRV Co-Chair in the Asia Pacific region.

“Fiji Airports applauds ICAO’s initiative to conduct this CRV workshop for the Pacific Island States so that participating states better understand CRV and its benefits. It also provides the platform for Asia Pacific representatives to network and to discuss the technical areas of assistance so that no country is left behind.”

ICAO (CNS) regional officer Li Peng said: “We thank Fiji Airports for supporting ICAO over the many years. We have strong support from the Pacific. In Asia Pacific air traffic increases so fast in the next 15 years air traffic will double.”

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