A full-scale night aircraft exercise was successfully completed at Nausori International Airport last week.
The program organised by Fiji Airports brought together emergency responders, aviation stakeholders, government agencies, and regional partners to test and strengthen Fiji’s aviation emergency preparedness capabilities.
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari said the successful exercise showed the importance of collaboration, preparedness, and continuous improvement in safeguarding Fiji’s aviation sector.
“Safety remains our highest priority at Fiji Airports,” Mr Nawari said.
“Exercises such as these are essential in ensuring our emergency plans, personnel, and partner agencies are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner should an actual aircraft emergency occur.
“They provide valuable opportunities to test our emergency response capabilities under realistic conditions and ensure Nausori International Airport remains prepared to respond effectively to any aviation emergency.
“The professionalism and commitment displayed throughout the training program and the exercise reflect the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting lives and maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.”
Mr Nawari acknowledged the Fiji Police Force for leading the initiative and thanked all local and regional partners for their support.
“This exercise demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies come together with a common purpose.
The exercise marked the culmination of a week-long training program led by the Fiji Police Force in partnership with Fiji Airports, the Pacific Community (SPC), Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP), the Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance (PIEMA), the Pacific Incident Management System (PACIMS), and the Web Emergency Operations Centre (WEOC).
It highlighted Nausori International Airport’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, emergency preparedness, operational resilience, and multi-agency coordination.
“We sincerely thank the Fiji Police Force, SPC, BSRP, PIEMA, PACIMS, WEOC, emergency services, aviation stakeholders, and all participating organisations for their dedication and collaboration.
“We also extend our appreciation to the communities surrounding Nausori International Airport for their patience and understanding during the exercise.”
Participants received specialised training in the Pacific Incident Management System, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) management, Web Emergency Operations Centre incident action planning, resource management, multi-agency coordination, crisis communication, situational awareness, and emergency decision-making.
