Fiji Airports has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet by acquiring nine additional vehicles, bringing the total to 22, making it the owner of the largest electric vehicle fleet in the region. Chief Executive Mesake Nawari highlighted the growing shift towards electric mobility globally, particularly within the aviation sector, which significantly contributes to carbon emissions.
Nawari expressed aspirations to use 100 percent renewable energy in the future, noting that the current addition of EVs is a step in that direction. He mentioned plans for a solar farm that would facilitate the increasing use of clean energy in their operations.
The recent unveiling of the electric vehicles marks an important milestone for Fiji Airports, which now has 11 EVs with plans to acquire two more soon. During a Fiji Day lunch in Nadi, the keys to the new Volkswagen EVs were handed over to nine managers.
This initiative positions Fiji Airports as a leader in the decarbonization efforts in the regional transport sector. Nawari emphasized the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices that positively impact the environment. The goal is to significantly reduce carbon emissions, benefiting both the airport’s immediate vicinity and the broader ecosystem.
Palas Auto Services, the local distributor of the EVs, noted that while adopting new technology can be challenging, electric vehicles represent a transformative change in the automotive industry and align with the “Green Initiatives” promoted by the Fijian Government. By choosing BYD, a globally recognized leader in new energy vehicles, Fiji Airports is joining forces with the largest EV manufacturer worldwide.
The procurement of electric vehicles is part of Fiji Airports’ strategic objectives, which include transitioning to solar power, managing waste and recycling, eliminating plastic use, and engaging in sustainable practices like tree and coral planting, biodiversity maintenance, and rainwater harvesting.