Fiji Airports now boasts the largest electric vehicle (EV) fleet in the region after enhancing its collection with the addition of nine new vehicles, bringing its total to 22 EVs this year. Chief Executive Mesake Nawari highlighted the global shift towards electric mobility, especially in the aviation sector, which significantly contributes to carbon emissions.
“While we aspire to use 100 percent renewable energy, this acquisition is a crucial first step, and we plan to incorporate even more clean energy into our operations once our solar farm is established,” Nawari stated. He described the introduction of these electric vehicles as a major advancement for Fiji Airports, noting that the organization has now invested in 11 EVs and will soon add two more.
During a recent Fiji Day lunch in Nadi, the Fiji Airports Board presented keys for the new Volkswagen EVs to nine of its managers. This move positions the airport as a frontrunner in the decarbonization of the transport sector within the region.
“Fiji Airports is dedicated to driving our Green Airport initiatives forward, implementing sustainable activities that will benefit the environment in the long term. We have undertaken various initiatives and will continue to expand our efforts,” Nawari said. The organization’s goal is to significantly cut carbon emissions, promoting a cleaner environment for both the airport vicinity and wider community.
Palas Auto Services, the local distributor of these EVs, noted that while embracing new technologies can be challenging, electric vehicles are poised to transform the automotive industry and align with the “Green Initiatives” supported by the Fijian Government. By opting for BYD vehicles, a leading name in new energy vehicles and among the world’s largest automotive brands, Fiji Airports has aligned itself with a key player in the EV market.
The procurement of electric vehicles forms a central part of Fiji Airports’ strategic business objectives, which also include transitioning to solar energy, effective waste management and recycling, eliminating plastic use, promoting electric vehicle adoption, and implementing sustainable practices such as tree planting and the preservation of biodiversity.