Aviation is a lifeline for the Pacific. It connects Pacific countries to the world and to each other. It enables vital health, educational and emergency services, and supports tourism and trade.
Australia is investing in aviation to help contribute to a more equitable future for our region, and harness the power of aviation to drive economic growth and development.
The Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program is proud to work with Fiji, a regional leader in aviation, across a range of initiatives to enhance this vital sector.
Fijian scholars take flight with Australia awards
In the spirit of the Vuvale Partnership, Australia and Fiji are working together to support Fiji’s education and skills priorities in the aviation sector.
For eight young Fijians, Australia’s investment in aviation education has opened doors to careers once out of reach. Through Australia Awards Scholarships, they are studying aviation management and engineering.
The scholarships build capacity in a complex sector where qualified personnel are in short supply. Six of them are women, breaking new ground in a traditionally male–dominated field.
Their journeys reflect more than technical training. These scholars are building skills that will keep the region connected and safe, while inspiring others at home. On Australia Day, their stories showcase how education and opportunity can transform lives, strengthen communities, and ensure Pacific aviation is led by Pacific people.
Strengthening board leadership across the Fiji Aviation sector
Aviation and tourism leaders from Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji, Fiji Airports and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism completed the Governance Institute of Australia’s Effective Directors Course supported by the Australian Government.
The program focused on contemporary board structures and practices, equipping directors with the confidence to fulfill their duties, make informed decisions, and adopt a strategic outlook for aviation and tourism in Fiji.
For Eroni Puamau, a Tourism Fiji Board Director, this course provided him with a greater understanding of how to work collaboratively among directors with diverse perspectives.
Seini Nabou, a Fiji Airways Board Director and Chair of the airline’s Risk Sub-Committee, said the learning about taking time out to have conversations with other board members, especially women, was invaluable.
An inclusive future for Fiji’s aviation services
Australia is also working with Pacific Governments, aviation authorities, airports, and airlines to develop strategies that strengthen aviation agencies.
In Fiji, this collaboration has included assisting in developing the Air Terminal Services’ 2025–2035 Strategic Plan, which provides a roadmap to sustainable growth and world-class service excellence in Fiji’s premier aviation ground handler and catering provider, and embeds gender equality and disability inclusion at its core.
Airport Terminal Services has focused on making aviation more inclusive. Consultations were held with women’s groups, Fiji’s Department of Women, the Fiji Federation of People with Disabilities, and the Pacific Disability Forum to assess whether women, men, people with disabilities, and minority groups have equal opportunities to take part and benefit from the aviation industry.
These efforts aim to shape an inclusive workforce and deliver services that meet the needs of diverse customers and travellers across the region.
Championing inclusion: Fiji airports’ GEDSI Leadership in aviation
The Australian Government is working with Fiji Airports to champion gender equality and disability rights in the aviation sector. This partnership is driving the development of a GEDSI policy and inclusive procurement guidelines to ensure facilities and services meet the needs of women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
In collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Fiji Federation of People with Disabilities, Fiji Airports is conducting access audits across its airports. This is an important step towards creating safer, more inclusive travel experiences for all.
Toakarawa from Kiribati, shares her experience of the challenges faced by deaf travellers at the Inclusive Aviation Informal Session organised by P4A with Fiji Airports. Picture: SUPPLIED
2026 intake for the Australia Awards Scholarship including students completing aviation management at Griffith University with counsellor Andrew Shepherd (second from right, first row). Picture: SUPPLIED
Above: Consultations with Airports Terminal Services management team. Picture: SUPPLIED
Fiji Airports sustainability officer Sovaia Seru and GEDSI officer Selina
Momoyalewa. Picture: SUPPLIED
