Fiji Airports has completed the installation of four Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (AVDGS) units at Nadi International Airport to modernise infrastructure and strengthen operational capability at the country’s main international gateway.
The four units form part of 10 AVDGS systems gifted by Australia’s Canberra Airport. The Australian government, through the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program, funded the transportation, installation, and commissioning costs of the equipment.
The AVDGS technology provides real-time visual guidance to pilots manoeuvring aircraft into designated gate parking positions. By measuring aircraft speed and detecting centre-line deviation with centimetre-level precision, the systems ensure accurate positioning.
The technology is expected to enhance aircraft turnaround efficiency when it becomes fully operational next year.
Technical personnel from Canberra Airport and an expert from technology provider ADB SAFEGATE travelled to Nadi to support the installation.
Canberra Airport head of Aviation Michael Thomson said the initiative reflected a shared commitment to supporting Pacific aviation through regional collaboration and the sustainable reuse of proven equipment.
Fiji Airports acting chief executive Kelepi Dainaki welcomed the addition to Nadi International Airport’s infrastructure, noting the partnership demonstrated how the practical reuse of aviation technology delivered long-term benefits and supports sustainable infrastructure development.
“This is an important step in strengthening our operational capability at Nadi International Airport as we continue to modernise our infrastructure and improve the services we provide to our airline partners,” Mr Dainaki said.
He said the installation aligned with Fiji Airports’ strategic vision to become a future-ready airport operator and air navigation service provider.
P4A Program executive director James Ramsay said the successful handover and installation demonstrated how regional aviation partnerships extended the operational life of equipment while sharing technical expertise to strengthen airport operations.
