An aerial view of the Tavueni Airstrip. Government has allocated $800,000 in the 2014 National Budget for the upgrade of rural airstrips.
By RACHNA LAL
Airports Fiji Limited has welcomed the allocation of $800,000 in the 2014 Budget by Government for the upgrade of rural airstrips.
Government allocated $200,000 for preparatory works in Rotuma.
$600,000 has been allocated for upgrades in Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Koro, Gau, Bureta, Vanuabalavu, Lakeba, Ono-i-Lau, Cicia, Moala and Kadavu.
Airports Fiji chairman, Faiz Khan, said these airports on the outer islands do not make much profits as such.
“We have made operational losses, so it is very important that we have Government support,” he said.
General manager of domestic airline, Pacific Sun, Shaenaz Voss, earlier said any upgrades to local airports and airstrips would assist both Airports Fiji and the airlines to maintain safe operations.
Savusavu challenges
Mr Khan said they have already started with the process of advertising the expression of interest for Savusavu airstrip.
“The airstrip has many challenges and any extension will have to go into the sea and this would cause some geothermic problems,” he said.
“We are not looking at extending the airstrip. In Savusavu, we are looking at upgrading the Savusavu terminal.”
Other allocations
Commodore Bainimarama also announced significant upgrade works for civil aviation in Fiji.
$3 million has been allocated to the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and a further $1.26 million is being provided to subsidise domestic air services to remote locations.