Fiji Airports signs $8.6 million project with Pacific Building Solutions

Fiji Airports chief executive Mesake Nawari (third from left) and the PBS Group director Rob Semaan with staff and project consultants at the signing of the Labasa Terminal project upgrade in Nadi this week

Fiji Airports has awarded the Pacific Building Solutions (PBS) Group, a multi-discipline construction local company, the contract to facilitate construction works at the Labasa Terminal.

Company chief executive Mesake Nawari said the normal thorough company tender process was followed prior to the PBS Group being awarded this project contract.

This is the second major project Fiji Airports has embarked on this year for Vanua Levu. The first being the $10 million investment which was awarded to the internationally renowned Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Ltd to carry out pavement upgrade projects for five outer airports including Labasa, Savusavu, Rotuma, Matei and Lakeba.

“The PBS Group was selected as the best fit tender based on the Request for Tender (RFT) advertised early this year followed by evaluation of all the bids by the Tender Evaluation Committee prior to the Board’s approval,” Mr Nawari said.

“PBS has done multiple high value projects in the Fiji including the Nadi International Airport Modernisation Project completed in 2018.

The total project is valued at $8.570million and inclusive of consultancy, building contractor, utility upgrade, fixtures, fittings and equipment.

Fiji Airports’ commitment to spearhead terminal construction works at the Labasa Terminal will allow domestic travellers a step closer to improved air travel experience.

“We are excited to be spearheading this important project, which underscores our commitment to the local economy and community.

“The scope is construction of a temporary terminal followed by demolition of existing terminal which will make way for the construction of the permanent terminal.

“At the same location as the existing terminal, the new terminal will be constructed.”

The new terminal has separate arrivals and departure areas with increased seating capacity.

It also boasts key objectives to provide a positive and memorable experience for passengers and to ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport staff.

Mr Nawari said the temporary terminal will be housed in the current carpark and later demolished once the main terminal is operational. The major challenge is working in an operating airport.

Works on the temporary terminal will begin on the first week of October and is expected to be completed by January 2025, followed by construction works on the main terminal which begins immediately in January 2025 and will be completed by June 2026.

With all major stakeholders being informed of development works at the Labasa Airport, Fiji Airports will also ensure minimal disruptions.

Mr Nawari said the company is committed to keeping relevant stakeholders informed on progress and updates of this important work.

“We have formally written to Fiji Link, Northern Air, Police, taxi operators and the shop operator at Labasa Airport informing them of the of the project with timelines.

“Now with the contract signed, we will have a face-to-face briefing with the stakeholders as well.

An additional carpark space has already been created to allow for this construction.

During construction, flights will not be interrupted as all works will be planned to avoid any flight disruptions.
“This is a major investment in the future of Labasa Airport and Fiji Airports is on the cusp of achieving far more milestones.

“I am confident that the completion of the temporary Labasa terminal and the main terminal will be the beginning of many greater things – bringing an unparallel experience for our domestic passengers.

“Domestic passenger traffic in and out of Labasa is projected to continue to grow and this is why this project is so vital.

The airport runway pavement works at Labasa, Savusavu and Rotuma was completed well ahead of time with works at the Matei Airport on Taveuni to commence on September 18 and Lakeba to follow in October.

The company engineers other outer island airports and is in the process of planning for upgrades in the new year.