Tourism Association pushes ‘crucial’ upgrade proposal
Savusavu Terminal which Airports Fiji Limited says it will embark on a project to improve next year. Photos: PACIFIC REACHSavusavu Terminal which Airports Fiji Limited says it will embark on a project to improve next year. Photos: PACIFIC REACH
By RACHNA LAL
The Savusavu Tourism Association has proposed to Airports Fiji Limited that the upgrade of the Savusavu Airport move ahead as a staged development.
The head of the association’s Airport Development Team, Pilot Tim Eden, said this follows numerous meetings to convince Government and associated bodies.
The first stage being proposed is to reclaim the area required to extend the existing runway.
The proposal also is for the terminal to be relocated and upgraded adjacent to the ‘new’ apron area that was built in 2008.
Mr Eden said: “This staged project approach will spread the cost out over a couple of years.
“It provides the required confidence to encourage developers to kick start their projects, which in many cases are in advanced stages of design and approval.”
Mr Eden believes the upgrade of Savusavu runway would also be a strategic infrastructure asset in times of natural disasters and medical evacuation.
“This is given only one other operational airstrip on Vanua Levu (Labasa) that Airports Fiji support, which could easily have been wiped out with the recent cyclone,” he said.
Community support
Mr Eden said the Savusavu community’s support for this project is at an all-time high.
“Landowners have provided the necessary consent to develop the extension out over the reef system knowing full well the benefits it will bring to the Province,” he said.
“Savusavu Tourism Association has spent $100,000 of members funds towards the preliminary works required.
“This includes, completed survey and design work, geotechnical investigations, environmental impact assessment study.
“The community feels, it is time Government, Airports Fiji and airline operators give our proposal due consideration and provide the necessary platform to progress the lives of all citizens up North.”
The concerns
Savusavu Tourism Association has been working with Airports Fiji Limited, airline operators and more recently the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji to determine the way forward for Savusavu.
Mr Eden said infrastructure in the country has fallen behind or has been neglected for many years and Savusavu was no different.
“Much needed development and existing businesses are restricted because of limited and expensive air access,” he said.
“One way fares to the North are as expensive as travelling to New Zealand or Australia.
“Despite this, Savusavu has one of the highest seat load factors in the domestic sector, a clear indication of the demand for the area.”
The Northern contribution
Mr Eden referred to recent comments by Airports Fiji Limited that the outer island airstrips in Fiji don’t make money and he stated that the association disagrees with this statement.
He argued with the age old saying of ‘it takes money to make money’.
“Those passing through the Gate at Nadi Airport (visitors or departing/returning residents) travelling to Savusavu, Taveuni and other outer island destinations are contributing to the economy,” he said.
“Yet it would appear unaccounted for, whether as a departure tax or the overall spend in the country.
“Surely a portion of these dollars need to be re-invested into the area they were generated from.”
Domestic airline issues
Mr Eden stressed the domestic carriers seem to lack a vision of providing more affordable and efficient services.
“The current aircraft type that service these routes have more seats in the cabin than they can carry passengers simply because of distance flown versus fuel required,” he said.
“As an example, Pacific Sun has 20 seats available on its Twin Otter aircraft but can only uplift 12 – 14 passengers with ‘most’ of their baggage ex Nadi for Northern destinations.
“At times the airlines take more passengers and leave luggage behind – this often without the knowledge of the travellers which is not a great start for visitors to our shores.
“At the same time, fewer seats for sale equals more expensive airfares – simple mathematics.”
The Savusavu Tourism Association is encouraging the operators, stakeholders and Airports Fiji to look ahead to find a solution.
Mr Eden said it is obvious to Savusavu Tourism Association that more efficient aircraft are required but these more efficient aircraft need bigger runways.
“This is something Airports Fiji and the operators need to work together and decide on, it is overdue,” he said.
“The North’s survival is dependent on better access; development will not take place until these issues are addressed.”
Mr Eden said more often than not, visitors to the region have travelled multiple international sectors.
“They will not accept the inconvenience of another flight, followed by a lengthy road transfer,” he said.
“This same visitor is not a Denarau or Coral Coast mass winter traveller; they specifically choose to travel to the North of Fiji to experience the unique features of this area.”