Fiji Airports Goes Big on Electrical Vehicles

Fiji Airports is currently the owner of the largest electric vehicle fleet in the region following its recent acquisition of nine vehicles to add to its 13 EV fleet for this year.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive, Mesake Nawari said the transition to electric mobility is growing worldwide, and more so in the aviation sector being one of the major contributors to global carbon emissions.

“While we would like to be using 100 per cent renewable energy, this is of course a start and we will certainly progressively use more clean energy in our operations once we have our solar farm set up.

“This is a significant step for Fiji Airports towards reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the green spaces within our airport.

“What a time to unveil our Electric Vehicles which is a significant stride for Fiji Airports. We have 11 EVs now and will add another two soon,” Mr Nawari said.

FA Board handed the keys of the brand new Volkswagen EVs to nine managers this week following a Fiji Day lunch in Nadi.

With this purchase, the organisation has become a leader in the de-carbonisation of the transport sector in the immediate region.

“Fiji Airports is committed to sustainably drive our Green Airport initiatives to consistently implement activities that will benefit the environment in the long run! We have implemented several relevant activities, and we will continue to do more.

“The aim is to drastically reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment benefiting both the immediate surroundings of the airport and beyond.”

According to Palas Auto Services, the local distributor of these EVs, adoption of new technology is not always easy or welcomed, however, electric vehicles are set to be the herald of change for the automotive industry and has wider implications of the “Green Initiatives” being championed by the Fijian government.

It stated that by choosing BYDs- a global leader in new energy vehicles and the third largest automotive brand in the world, Fiji Airports has opted to be a part of the family of the largest EV Vehicle manufacturer in the world.

The acquisition of EVs is one of Fiji Airports strategic objectives embedded in its business plan.
Sustainability Initiatives under this objective include transition to solar power, waste management & recycling, zero use of plastics, transition to Electric Vehicles, sustainable practices including tree planting, coral & mangrove planting, protection and maintenance of biodiversity, rainwater harvesting, etc.

All these will contribute to the organisation’s quest for the next level of the ACI Carbon Accreditation.