Fiji Airports now boasts the largest electric vehicle fleet in the region after acquiring nine additional electric vehicles, bringing its total to 22 for the year.
Chief Executive Mesake Nawari emphasized the importance of transitioning to electric mobility amid the global movement towards sustainability, particularly in the aviation sector, which significantly contributes to carbon emissions. “While our goal is to utilize 100 percent renewable energy, this marks an essential step forward. We will progressively incorporate more clean energy into our operations once our solar farm becomes operational,” he stated.
Nawari noted that unveiling these Electric Vehicles represents a major advancement for Fiji Airports. During a ceremony following a Fiji Day lunch in Nadi, the FA Board distributed the keys to the new Volkswagen EVs to nine managers.
With this investment, Fiji Airports positions itself as a leader in the de-carbonization of the regional transport sector. “Our commitment to sustainably driving our Green Airport initiatives includes implementing practices that will yield long-term benefits for the environment,” Nawari added. He reiterated their goal to significantly cut carbon emissions for the betterment of both the airport’s immediate environment and the broader community.
Palas Auto Services, the local distributor of these electric vehicles, believes that while the adoption of new technologies can be challenging, electric vehicles are pivotal to the automotive industry’s transformation and align with the “Green Initiatives” supported by the Fijian Government.
By partnering with BYD, a leading global manufacturer of new energy vehicles, Fiji Airports embraces the opportunity to join forces with the world’s largest EV vehicle maker. This acquisition aligns with Fiji Airports’ strategic objectives, which include a transition to solar energy, waste management and recycling, elimination of plastics, the incorporation of electric vehicles, and various sustainable practices such as tree and coral planting, as well as rainwater harvesting.