Fiji Airports has established itself as the owner of the largest electric vehicle fleet in the region after acquiring nine additional vehicles, expanding its existing fleet of 13 electric vehicles this year. Chief Executive Mesake Nawari remarked that the global transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum, particularly within the aviation sector, which significantly contributes to carbon emissions worldwide.
He expressed the organization’s commitment to utilizing renewable energy, stating, “While we would like to be using 100 percent renewable energy, this is of course a start, and we will certainly progressively use more clean energy in our operations once our solar farm is operational.” Nawari emphasized that this initiative marks a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing green spaces at the airport.
During a ceremony in Nadi, the Fiji Airports Board presented the keys to nine new Volkswagen electric vehicles to managers, following a Fiji Day lunch. With the latest acquisition, Fiji Airports positions itself as a leader in the decarbonization of the region’s transport sector.
Nawari stated, “Fiji Airports is committed to sustainably driving our Green Airport initiatives to implement activities that benefit the environment in the long run. Our goal is to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment that benefits both the airport and surrounding areas.”
Palas Auto Services, the local distributor of the electric vehicles, noted that while embracing new technology can be challenging, electric vehicles are poised to bring transformative change to the automotive industry, aligning with the “Green Initiatives” promoted by the Fijian Government. By choosing BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles and the world’s third-largest automotive brand, Fiji Airports has joined forces with the largest electric vehicle manufacturer globally.
The acquisition of electric vehicles aligns with Fiji Airports’ strategic objectives outlined in its business plan. Sustainability initiatives under this plan include transitioning to solar power, waste management and recycling, eliminating plastic usage, adopting electric vehicles, and pursuing various eco-friendly practices such as tree planting, coral and mangrove restoration, biodiversity conservation, and rainwater harvesting.