The newly installed runway lights at Labasa Airport will allow night landing and additional flights.

This was revealed by Fiji Airports General Manager Air Traffic Management and Operations, Isei Tudreu to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts on the present projects and expansions of airports under Fiji Airports.

“A person in Vanua Levu can travel from Savusavu, Nabouwalu or Udu Point and come to Labasa to catch the last flight, now at 5pm and not 2.30pm as was previously happening.

“We have the lights already there and are waiting for Fiji Link to come to us and say we are ready to go.They have challenges in regards to training of their crew and also the aircraft they want to use.”

Mr Tudreu said they were re-surfacing part of the Labasa runway and improvements to the apron and car park area to fit the ATR-42 will commence in April.

Fiji Link

Meanwhile, Peter Bale, General Manager, Fiji Link said: “Fiji Airways and Fiji Link are conducting a series of thorough risk and safety assessments regarding the use of our ATR aircraft for night operations into Labasa.

“We are liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) on the matter.

“Fiji Link would require CAAF approval to land at night in Labasa, and this approval has not been granted, pending completion of the required safety assessments.

“Fiji Link may commission an external aviation safety expert to offer an independent evaluation on Labasa night operations.

“As always, safety is the number one priority for both Fiji Airways and Fiji Link.”

Other projects and improvements

Air Traffic Management Operations – ATM systems are on par with systems currently used in the US, AUS and NZ for Oceanic and International Traffic Movement.

To ensure continued compliance and alignment with future technological advancements FA makes continuous upgrades.

FA is currently upgrading its domestic ATM system from procedural control to surveillance, which would enhance the safety and efficiency of its domestic airspace.

Nadi International Airport

Nadi International Airport – Large capital airside developments are planned to enable the necessary aircraft apron and gate capacity to meet long term demands based on Nadi Airport Master Plan done by Landrum and Brown.

Fiji Airports anticipates a growth 4.5 per cent to five per cent.

Nausori – Runway Upgrade project

Nausori – Runway upgrade project is currently underway.

This $60 million project involved lengthening of the runway which would allow the Boeing 737 to operate on full load capacity out of Nausori. The first quarter of 2021 will see the arrival of Boeing 737 aircraft for the first time.

This will increase the maximum passenger load from 110 to 120 with maximum cargo as opposed to the present 70 passengers and less cargo on smaller aircrafts.

Labasa Airport terminal

Labasa – Runway lights installation has been completed, allowing night landing and additional flights. The construction of the new Labasa Airport terminal including the expansion of the apron and car park will commence at the end of the year.

Other outer-station airports

Rotuma – In October, 2018 Rotuma Runway Upgrade project of $12.8m was successfully completed.

This now allows ATR larger aircraft operations in Rotuma.

This project included a Fire Tender and a new Fire Station to house the fire truck and new fire recruits.

Savusavu – A new terminal facility would be built.

Runway upgrades completed at Bureta and Lakeba last year.

The single operator out of Bureta has applauded the new runway.

Runway upgrades for Kadavu and Labasa scheduled for first and second quarter of 2020.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj