Fiji Airports has signed a $10.4 million contract with Australian company RATE to equip Nadi International Airport with six new passenger boarding aerobridges.
Chief Executive Mesake Nawari stated that the investment aims to replace aging infrastructure, accommodate future passenger demands, enhance passenger experience, and improve operational efficiency at Nadi International Airport.
“As part of our terminal expansion and master plan, Fiji Airports is investing $10.4 million in six aerobridges. This includes two new aerobridges and four replacements for existing ones to better accommodate widebody aircraft like the A350s,” Nawari said.
The addition of three new passenger aerobridges at Gates 1, 2A, and 2B will allow the airport to make optimal use of available parking stands on the apron.
“This marks a significant milestone for the Airport with two new aerobridges on the apron,” Nawari added.
The aerobridges will enable passengers to board and deplane directly from the terminal to the aircraft, offering a convenient and efficient boarding process.
“A single aerobridge, costing approximately $1.74 million, will take at least seven months to manufacture,” Nawari mentioned.
Installation is set to begin next year, with the first aerobridges expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2025.
Nawari emphasized that the investment in aerobridges and associated developments at Nadi International Airport are part of the organization’s 25th anniversary plans.
Currently, Nadi International Airport has five operational passenger boarding aerobridges. The six new aerobridges will increase the number of operational aerobridges to eight, with three completely new aerobridges.