Fiji Airports has secured a multi-million dollar finance facility through ANZ in partnership with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
The total value of the finance facility is confidential.
Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says this finance facility ensures that Nadi International Airport is equipped with facilities to serve as the gateway to the new normal for the entire Pacific.
Sayed-Khaiyum says with a target to fully vaccinate 80% of Fijian adults by the end of October, Fiji's steady administration of vaccines is bringing economic recovery within reach.
Fiji Airports Chairman Geoffrey Shaw says the loan facility without the requirement of a government guarantee is recognition by funding partners of the significant role that Fiji Airports and in particular Nadi International Airport, play as the aviation hub of the South Pacific.
Shaw says this loan facility reinforces and provides assurance for their business, certainty for the employees and their long-term future.
Shaw says the Nadi International Airport is aggressively gearing up for international tourism recovery once borders reopen.
He says the completion of committed pre-COVID and future works will enhance capability, add to their capacity and reinforce their readiness to grow the future of tourism for the benefit of the broader economy.
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes says they are pleased to be making an important investment in an organisation that will be critical for Fiji’s economic recovery.
Feakes says this investment will support local employment and ensure Fiji and the region are ready to receive visitors as soon as borders reopen.
Fiji Airports Acting CEO Isei Tudreu says they are anticipating a ramp up of operations and look forward to the resumption of air travel when it will be safe to do so.
Tudreu says the loan refinance package is a take out of an existing loan balance and provides additional capacity for approved capital works projects.
He says the funding facility will assist in the substantive off-gates project at Nadi International Airport to provide further accommodation for larger code E aircraft (A350s) and additional 737 apron parking leading to potential increased frequency, uplift and passenger numbers.
Additionally, the facility will provide for the completion of air traffic management systems upgrades and the capacity to invest in and further enhance their network of outer island airports facilities.
