Fiji Airports has become the owner of the largest electric vehicle fleet in the region, following the recent addition of nine vehicles to its existing fleet of 13 EVs this year.
Mesake Nawari, the Chief Executive of Fiji Airports, emphasized that the global transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum, especially within the aviation sector, a significant contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. He noted, “While we would like to be using 100 percent renewable energy, this is a start, and we will progressively use more clean energy in our operations once our solar farm is established.”
Nawari highlighted that this move significantly reduces the organization’s carbon footprint and enhances green spaces within the airport. He expressed pride in the introduction of their electric vehicles, stating, “We have 11 EVs now and will add another two soon.”
The Fiji Airports Board recently handed over keys to the new Volkswagen EVs to nine managers during a Fiji Day lunch in Nadi. This initiative positions the organization as a leader in the decarbonization efforts of the transport sector in the region.
Nawari reaffirmed Fiji Airports’ commitment to sustainability, saying, “We are dedicated to driving our Green Airport initiatives to implement activities that will benefit the environment in the long run. Our goal is to drastically reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment for the airport and its surroundings.”
Palas Auto Services, the local distributor for the EVs, reported that while adopting new technology can be challenging, electric vehicles represent a significant shift in the automotive industry, aligning with the Fijian Government’s “Green Initiatives.” By selecting BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles, Fiji Airports has joined the ranks of the largest EV manufacturers globally.
The acquisition of electric vehicles aligns with Fiji Airports’ strategic objectives, which also include transitioning to solar power, waste management and recycling, eliminating plastic usage, and implementing sustainable practices such as tree, coral, and mangrove planting, as well as biodiversity protection and rainwater harvesting.