A team of aviation security experts from Airports Council International (ACI) is currently in Nadi, Fiji, to conduct the country’s first comprehensive review of its airport security governance, systems, and processes. This important evaluation is spearheaded by Fiji Airports CEO Mesake Nawari, who emphasized its necessity given the surge in air travel following the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Nawari expressed the significance of this review, noting that Fiji Airports is privileged to be selected for this crucial assessment due to its pivotal role in aviation both locally and across the Blue Pacific region. The APEX (Airport Excellence) review team will scrutinize current security practices, identify potential security vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations based on established international standards, including Annex 17 Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as well as other industry best practices.
The review process aims to facilitate improvements in airport operations, ensuring the safety and security of travelers. It will assess Fiji Airports’ security policy, surveillance measures, risk assessments, and crisis response protocols, among other critical areas, including infrastructure related to aircraft movement and terminal layout.
Five international aviation security experts from countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti compose the core team conducting the four-day evaluation at Nadi International Airport. Fiji Airports has expressed appreciation for this opportunity, emphasizing that the review’s findings will contribute to its strategic objectives regarding safety, security, and compliance as part of its 2025-2034 plan. The ultimate goal is to solidify Fiji’s status as a world-class aviation hub within the Blue Pacific.
This review not only signifies a proactive approach to aviation security in Fiji but also highlights the nation’s commitment to enhancing passenger safety and maintaining high international standards. Successfully implementing the recommendations from this evaluation can position Fiji Airports to better handle the anticipated growth in air travel, ultimately benefiting the economy and global standing of the region.
In summary, this initiative reflects a positive step towards advancing aviation security, aligning with global best practices, and ensuring the safety of travelers as the aviation sector continues to evolve post-pandemic.
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