Fiji upgrades aviation data systems

Fiji is fast-tracking its ambition to become a regional aviation data and commu­nications hub, with major digital systems set to go live on May 20 in a move that officials say will transform air safety and weather intelligence across the region.

Fiji Airports Board chairman Isei Tudreu said the new Aeronauti­cal Message Handling System and Digital Weather Information Ex­change System, currently nearing completion, will place Fiji at the center of modern aviation data sharing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Tudreu made the announce­ment at the opening of the Inter­national Civil Aviation Organisa­tion (ICAO) 13th Meeting of the Aeronautical Communication Services Implementation Coordi­nation Group (ACSICG) and the 24th Meeting of the Meteorological Information Exchange Working Group (MET IE WG).

These events took place at the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Beach Re­sort and Spa in Nadi yesterday.

He said the new systems would modernise how aviation data is managed and shared, enabling dig­ital weather information exchange and converting traditional weather bulletins into digital formats in line with regional requirements.

"This is significant, as Nadi con­tinues to serve as one of five Re­gional Operational Meteorological Data Banks in the Asia and Pacific region," he said.

He also confirmed the upcom­ing replacement of the Nadi high frequency radio system, with commissioning scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.

"The new system will support full digital Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) capability and expanded se­lective calling functions using the Selective Calling System (SELCAL) 32 facility.

"Fiji has also made important progress in surveillance and com­munications, including the imple­mentation of voice communica­tions and high-frequency radio systems using digital Voice over Internet Protocol, complying with ED-137 standards (Interoperability Standards for Voice over Internet Protocol Air Traffic Management), completed in 2018."

Mr Tudreu also highlighted the introduction of five-nautical-mile surveillance control in 2022 using the Aurora Alpha air traffic man­agement system, describing it as a major shift in capability.

"We are proud that Fiji became the first air navigation service provider to move directly from procedural control to surveillance control without prior radar experi­ence. This achievement reflects our determination to move forward with confidence and purpose," Mr Tudreu said.

Mr Tudreu said the upgrades would deliver tangible safety and efficiency gains across the region.

"When communication is strong­er, co-ordination improves, and when weather information is more reliable, operations become safer and more efficient.

"When systems are compatible and future-ready, the region is bet­ter placed to manage growth, re­duce disruption and strengthen resilience."