Enhancing air connectivity, infrastructure, and sustainability remains a top priority for the aviation sector in Fiji and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This focus was underscored by Stefano Baronci, director general of Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, during an interview at the recent 3rd Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM3) in Suva.
Baronci emphasized the significance of air transport as a lifeline for the economic and social development of Pacific islands. He remarked on the urgent need for a well-connected network that can support the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the region.
Infrastructure development and the provision of high-quality services are vital components linked to enhancing air connectivity. According to Baronci, achieving these goals requires thoughtful, long-term planning. He further elaborated on the importance of sustainable growth within the aviation sector, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental factors.
Baronci noted that the airport sector has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050—a target also supported by various aviation stakeholders. He stressed the need for effective ground services that meet environmental standards and highlighted the role of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as renewable energy sources like solar power, in achieving these sustainability goals.
Partnerships will be essential in addressing the challenges of reducing aircraft emissions, particularly with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which currently faces supply and cost challenges. Baronci’s insights reflect a growing recognition among ACI member countries of the collective responsibility to achieve sustainability targets while fostering economic growth.
The recent RAMM3, which brought together Pacific aviation ministers and stakeholders, served as a platform for discussing these critical themes. Similar sentiments were echoed by Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa, who also highlighted the necessity of collaborative approaches to aviation that interlink trade and health sectors, thereby fostering a more holistic view of development.
Positive collaboration among Pacific nations is vital for improving regional connectivity and advancing economic development. The discussions at RAMM3 serve as a beacon of hope for achieving these objectives and ensuring the resilience of the aviation industry in the face of current challenges.
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