Jone Koroitamana, Fiji’s first local and former chief executive officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and Airports Fiji Limited will be remembered for his foresight in our aviation industry.

Norman Yee, also a retired chief of the Government agency, told of how Mr Koroitamana, over his 23-year reign leading the authority, was instrumental in:

• The Terminal Building extension in circa 1987
• The first Master Plan for Nadi International Airport covering 25 years
• Embracing technology and as a result Fiji became the first in the world to use GPS our domestic aircraft before it was even approved for worldwide use in 1994

Mr Yee said in April 1992 they both attended the first Asia-Pacific Planning and Installation Regional Group and Mr Koroitamana became its first chair and served for many years.

Beginnings

Mr Koroitamana joined the Nadi Airport Administration in 1962 as Air traffic Control (ATC) Cadet for training in Australia and New Zealand.

After qualifying as an Air Traffic Controller he returned to Nadi in 1966 to begin work.

The Lawaki, Nakasaleka, Kadavu native rose through the ranks to become the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer in charge of the section before becoming the first local deputy chief executive officer under Mike Varley when the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) was formed in 1979.

“After understudying Mr Varley for six months he took over as the first local chief executive officer of CAAF on January 1, 1992,” Mr Yee said.

“He was able to bring together many countries to resolve many outstanding issues and to plan for the introduction of new technologies such as GPS, etc. I became his technical advisor at these meetings.

“He was a humble hardworking person with an eye for detail and easy to work with.

“He had the respect of many in the local and international aviation community. He was very supportive of community social activities. Jone RIP.”

Education

Mr Koroitamana attended Vunisea Secondary, Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School.

He passed away on April 5 at the Nadi Hospital aged 78.

He is survived by wife, Akanisi and eight children with 26 grand children and four great grand children.

The funeral service will be held today with the church service at their residence before laid to eternal rest at the Balawa cemetery in Lautoka.

Pallbearers carry the casket of the late Jone Koroitamana at his residence in Lautoka on April 11, 2020. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj