Government commercial company Fiji Airports has appointed two senior officers into managerial positions as it takes decisive steps to strengthen operations, develop and invest in Nausori and 13 outer island airports.
The appointment of Siteri Goneyali Logavatu as Nausori International Airport manager and Usaia Kurutuba as manager Outer Islands also reinforces the organisation’s commitment to developing local leaders and operational excellence across its airport network.
According to Fiji Airports, the appointment also reflects its ongoing focus on recognising and developing high-performing employees, strengthening leadership capability, and enhancing service delivery across its airports.
Siteri Goneyali Logavatu
Ms Logavatu becomes the first woman appointed as manager of Nausori International Airport.
Originally from Vatukarasa Village, Taivugalei in Tailevu, Ms Logavatu was born and raised in Nadi but has now called Suva home for nearly 15 years.
She said she was humbled by the opportunity and the responsibility that came with the role.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for this lifetime opportunity. I am also challenged to be an accountable and value-adding steward of the role and the responsibilities that come with it,” Ms Logavatu said in a statement from the company.
“Fiji Airports already has well-trained and highly skilled people. My duty is to work alongside subject matter experts across the various divisions to identify and act on areas for improvement and continue elevating our standards of service and operational excellence.”
She said she also hoped to continue to inspire her daughter and young women of Fiji that anything was possible if they were intentional, committed and faithful with their duties, no matter how small.
“If you’re faithful with the little tasks, you will be blessed to take on bigger tasks.”
Ms Logavatu began her aviation career in 2009 with Fiji Airways as an airport services assistant, and steadily progressed through a number of operational and leadership roles.
She later joined Fiji Link as Airports and Training co-ordinator at the Nadi Domestic Terminal, where she gained extensive experience in safety audits, quality assurance programs, and operational compliance.
One of the highlights of her career was contributing to the Fiji Airways and Fiji Link initiative, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and ATR manufacturers, to convert an ATR aircraft into a cargo aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aircraft played a critical role in transporting medical supplies across the Pacific and supporting regional communities during a challenging period.
Most recently, she served as Fiji Airways manager Ground Operations at Nausori Airport, bringing extensive experience in service delivery, safety and security compliance, quality assurance, and business administration to her new role.
Ms Logavatu said she looked forward to working closely with teams across the airport to continue improving operational performance and customer experience.
She is an Alumna of the University of the South Pacific and holds a Master of Commerce (Management & Public Administration), a Post-Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Management & Public Administration) and a Professional Diploma in Business Management.
Usaia Kurutuba
In his new role, Mr Kurutuba will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to support the effective management, aerodrome safety, and performance of Fiji Airports’ 13 outer island airports.
Outer island airports play a vital role in connecting communities, supporting economic activity, facilitating essential services, and strengthening national connectivity throughout Fiji.
He will also lead stakeholder engagement initiatives, support team development across stations, and foster collaboration to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Kurutuba served as acting manager Nausori and Outer Islands Operations, where he demonstrated strong leadership and operational oversight while supporting both Nausori Airport and the outer island network.
His journey with Fiji Airports began in 2000 as an airport rescue firefighter.
Through dedication, hard work, and continuous professional development, he became the first Fiji Airports firefighter to transition from firefighting operations into airport operations management.
He also graduated with Advance Diploma in Leadership and Management (TAFE).
Mr Kurutuba said the role marked an important milestone in his career.
“Being selected for the role of manager Outer Islands is both an honour and a significant milestone in my career,” he said.
“Transitioning from my background as a firefighter into airport operations management has brought new challenges and responsibilities, but also valuable opportunities for growth.”
“I look forward to applying my experience in safety, discipline and teamwork while continuing to develop my skills in airport management and leadership.”
Fiji Airports chief executive officer Mesake Nawari congratulated both appointees and acknowledged their significant contributions to the aviation industry.
“These appointments reflect Fiji Airports’ commitment to recognising and developing talented and committed individuals who have consistently demonstrated leadership and operational excellence,” Mr Nawari said in the statement.
He said Ms Logavatu and Mr Kurutuba both possessed extensive experience, valuable insights, and had a strong commitment to service.
“Their leadership will be instrumental in enhancing operational performance, supporting our people, and delivering safe, efficient, and reliable airport services across Fiji.
“We are confident they will continue to make meaningful contributions towards achieving Fiji Airports’ strategic objectives while strengthening connectivity, operational excellence, and service delivery across our airport network.”
Usaia Kurutuba. Picture: SUPPLIED/FIJI AIRPORTS
