$45m Kokomo Hangar to Open Soon

Fiji’s newest airport hangar, belonging to Kokomo Pri­vate Island Fiji will be one of only three of a kind currently under construction around the world.

The hangar, situated on London Road near the Fiji Airports Limit­ed Compound in Nadi, will be com­pleted and ready for opening at the end of this month.

Kokomo Private Island is owned by Sydney-based real estate de­veloper Lang Walker, Executive Chairman of Walker Corpora­tion and chief executive officer of Kokomo. The company’s Director of Aviation, Brett Holden said the hangar would bring a different level of expertise to the aviation industry in Fiji.

Total Investment

By the time the hangar is com­pleted, Kokomo will have invested $45 million in assets, staff and the facilities to run the operation pro­fessionally and safely.

“Lang Walker’s vision is for excel­lence and leadership in this indus­try.

“This is shown through the sig­nificant capital investment that has already been made in our oper­ations and staff and demonstrates the determination and the will to promote tourism and aviation in Fiji. Our hangar is not just a space to store our aircraft; it is a place for us to gather as one team under one roof, one banner.

Also to provide the best mainte­nance and support for our staff and assets.

“This stems directly from Lang Walker’s vision of what he wants to achieve here”.

“Lang came across Yakuve Island many years ago and saw a vision which has been realised today.

“His businesses have always been first and foremost, about bringing excellence and by being the best in any of the fields we work in. This project is no different.

“We don’t view our staff just as employees. They are an intricate part of our success story. They are Kokomo. This hangar will allow us to operate as one entity, with one vision, as space here on the airport is very limited. This is an incredi­bly important moment for Kokomo Aviation going forward.

“Our philosophy is to be inclu­sive.

“To work in partnership with oth­er Fiji aviation stakeholders, such as Fiji Airways, Fiji Airports and the Civil Aviation Authority Fiji (CAAF) and all other operators at the airport to be successful in pro­moting safe, efficient and progres­sive air services.

“As an example of this, Kokomo has the privilege of being the first operator in Fijian aviation history to be approved to allow domestic airside departures and arrivals from its own hangar facility.

“The process was conducted by working in close association with Airports Fiji Limited, CAAF and through the dedication and skills our staff, especially Sabin Singh, our Operations Manager.

“We have resourced to a point where we are comfortable with providing the quality of service that not only Lang Walker but the guests of Kokomo Private Island demand.

“We have and are investing heav­ily in training for our staff mem­bers and in new assets for the fu­ture. We aim to be the best not only in Fiji but throughout the entire region.”

Kamal Chand, Kokomo’s Engi­neering manager said the com­pany was in the process of getting proper approvals from CAAF to carry out its own aircraft main­tenance in the new purpose built hangar.

“We hope to get everything in place by next week so that we can carry out maintenance services to the highest standard to ensure the proper and safe operation of our aircraft.”

Comments from Philip Cook

Phillip Cook, the company’s Chief Pilot and Training Manager said they were operating Twin Ot­ters on amphibious floats.

Kokomo Private Island also has two helicopters (a Bell 407 and Eu­rocopter AS350 Squirrel).

“We are actively sourcing twin-engine helicopters to add to our fleet to enhance our VIP guest ex­perience.”

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj