How Fiji's Deputy PM is Advancing Pacific Aviation at Changi Summit
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Fiji's Deputy PM Viliame Gavoka leveraged the Changi Aviation Summit to push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel support and stronger regional air connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- •Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka represented Fiji at the Changi Aviation Summit from February 1-3, 2026, engaging over 400 global aviation leaders.
- •Fiji's primary focus was securing technical assistance and partnerships for developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to support environmental sustainability.
- •Gavoka met with ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma and Pacific ministers to discuss regional air connectivity and preparations for the 4th Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting.
- •The nation highlighted aviation as a key driver of national development, emphasizing reliable regional access and operational resilience.
Fiji is actively strengthening its Fiji aviation presence on the global stage. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, represented the nation at the prestigious Changi Aviation Summit in Singapore. The high-level event ran from February 1 to 3, bringing together over 400 global aviation leaders. These included ministers, directors-general, and chief executives from across the sector. Pacific Island countries were also notably well-represented at the gathering.
Advancing National and Regional Priorities
Mr. Gavoka participated in a ministerial-level panel discussion on global aviation growth. He outlined Fiji’s strategy for strengthening aviation as a key driver of national development. The Minister emphasized three core priorities for the island nation. These are reliable regional access, strong operational resilience, and environmental sustainability.
Focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
A critical point raised was the need for technical assistance. This support is necessary to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The Minister highlighted SAF’s importance for Fiji and other Pacific Small Island States (PSIDS). These nations face unique challenges in adopting new green technologies. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts strong growth for the Asia-Pacific region. This growth makes sustainability efforts like SAF crucial for future operations.
Key Diplomatic Engagements
On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Gavoka held important bilateral meetings. He met with the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, Toshiyuki Onuma. This meeting underscores Fiji's commitment to global aviation standards. He also met with aviation ministers from other Pacific Small Island States. These discussions focused heavily on enhancing regional air connectivity.
- Regional Air Connectivity: Improving air links is vital for trade and tourism across the Pacific.
- Pacific Aviation Challenges: The talks addressed key challenges facing aviation in the region.
- 4th Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting: Ministers discussed preparations for the upcoming 4th Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM).
This follows the success of the 3rd RAMM (RAMM3) held in Suva, Fiji, in March 2025. RAMM3 concluded with the adoption of the Suva Declaration. This declaration established a framework for regional collaboration. It also set a new agenda for sustainable and safe aviation in the Pacific. The ongoing discussions aim to build on this foundation.
The Summit's Global Platform
The Changi Aviation Summit is an important international forum. It is jointly organized by the Singapore Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. The 2026 summit theme was "Rising Above Disruption: Building the Aviation Ecosystem of Tomorrow." It provides a direct channel for Fiji to engage with global partners. This engagement is essential for advancing the nation's aviation priorities. For Fiji, aviation is considered an economic lifeline. The sector supports the nation's critical tourism industry. The island nation relies heavily on air transport for both passengers and cargo. This makes strong international partnerships a necessity for national resilience. The summit provided a platform to secure support for technical assistance and regulatory alignment.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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