Skip to main content

Business envoy November 2021

A step up for Fiji’s aviation sector: The Australian Government and ANZ Bank partnership

The Australian Government, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), in partnership with ANZ Bank, has provided a $67 million loan to Fiji Airports. This is one of many investments the AIFFP has progressed to assist economic recovery in the region.

Fiji has long been a popular tourist destination.  With a third of Fijians working in tourism prior to COVID-19, current travel restrictions have had a devastating impact on the Fijian people and economy.

Fiji Airports is the main provider of airport services in Fiji. It also provides air traffic management services to Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kiribati, and Vanuatu, administering a massive six million square kilometres of airspace.

This financing will fund upgrades to airport facilities as well as re-finance existing debt. It will position Fiji Airports to meet traveller demand once borders re-open, which will be essential to Fiji's economic recovery.

The AIFFP maximises the benefits of investment for the local community, by creating jobs, improving gender equality, and boosting climate resilience. 

“This project illustrates a clear commitment to our region's wellbeing, both from our own Government and by Australian industry (ANZ). This is a great example of why the AIFFP was established”. Senator the Hon Marise Payne, former Minister for Foreign Affairs 

Paul Richards, Head of ANZ Structured Export Finance, says “This has provided substantial support to a critical business and customer of ANZ to allow it to continue approved capex works for the long-term benefit of the Fiji aviation industry through these difficult times.”

Fiji Airports Chairman, Geoffrey Shaw, says the re-financing deal will play a vital role in sustaining Fiji's economic wellbeing. 

The Australian Government and the Australian business community share a vision of prosperity with our Pacific family. 

To find out more visit: www.aiffp.gov.au.

 

Fiji Airport
Fiji Airport (credit AIFFP)
Back to top