Fiji Awards $1.83 Million Aviation Consultancy Contract for Vanua Levu Airport Development
04 Feb 2026
Suva, FijiFiji has taken a major step toward strengthening air connectivity and tourism growth in its northern region with the award of a key consultancy contract under the Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu. The contract supports a comprehensive feasibility study for a new Vanua Levu Airport, alongside potential upgrades to Matei Airport and the preparation of a masterplan for Labasa Airport.The contract award, published on January 20, 2026, forms part of Fiji’s long-term strategy to unlock tourism potential, improve regional accessibility, and support inclusive economic development across Vanua Levu.Contract Overview and ScopeThe consultancy is linked to Project ID P178694 and is financed through IDA Credit No. 73690, reflecting World Bank support for Fiji’s tourism and transport infrastructure agenda. Procurement was conducted using the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, emphasising technical excellence alongside competitive pricing.Project - Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua LevuProcurement Method - QCBS - Quality and Cost-Based SelectionScope -Feasibility study for a new Vanua Levu AirportAssessment of potential upgrades to Matei AirportDevelopment of a masterplan for Labasa AirportContract Duration - 1 yearAward Notification Date - January 15, 2026Project Location - FijiThe assignment is expected to define technical, environmental, and financial pathways for future airport investments critical to tourism growth in northern Fiji.Awarded Firm and Financial DetailsThe contract has been awarded to Airbiz Aviation Strategies Limited, a New Zealand-based aviation consultancy with global experience in airport planning, aviation economics, and air service development.Technical Score - 89.56Combined Score - 91.65 (Ranked 1st)Final Evaluated Price - USD 1,631,020.00Signed Contract Price - USD 1,834,897.50Airbiz achieved the highest overall ranking, meeting the minimum qualifying technical score of 80, and delivering the strongest balance of methodology, key personnel expertise, and financial competitiveness.Competitive Tender LandscapeThe procurement attracted strong international competition, highlighting the strategic importance of Fiji’s aviation development plans. Other evaluated firms included:WSP Canada Inc. - USD 1.92 millionCadmus - USD 2.30 millionArup Australia Pty Ltd - USD 2.49 millionTwo firms - Leading Edge Aviation Planning Professionals Pty Ltd and SMEC - were rejected after failing to meet the minimum technical score, underscoring the high technical standards applied in World Bank–funded consultancy procurement.Strategic Importance for Fiji’s Tourism SectorVanua Levu is central to Fiji’s plans to diversify tourism beyond Viti Levu, reduce congestion at major gateways, and open new destinations for international and domestic travelers. Improved airport infrastructure is expected to:Enhance direct international and regional air accessSupport sustainable tourism growth and private investmentImprove connectivity for local communities and businessesStrengthen disaster resilience and operational safetyThe feasibility study and masterplanning exercise will provide the foundation for future capital investments and potential public-private partnerships in Fiji’s aviation sector.Institutional Context and OutlookThe project is implemented by Fiji’s aviation and tourism authorities with financing support from the World Bank, reflecting continued donor confidence in Fiji’s infrastructure-led growth strategy.With the consultancy now underway, stakeholders expect clearer investment roadmaps for Vanua Levu’s airports within the next year. Further procurement packages for detailed design, construction, and airport systems are likely to follow, creating new opportunities across the aviation, construction, and tourism value chains.#FijiContractAward #FijiTourismDevelopment #VanuaLevu #AirportFeasibilityStudy #AviationConsultancy #WorldBankProjects #IDAProjects #TourismInfrastructure #AwardedTenders #ProcurementNews
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UNDP Awards USD 100,084 Contract to Good Return Limited for Digital Inclusion and Resilience Project in Fiji
05 Nov 2025
Good Return Limited has been given a USD 100,084 contract by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the project "Enhancing Resilience of the Most Vulnerable Segments of the Population Towards an Inclusive Digital Economy." The initiative, which was signed on September 11, 2025, intends to promote inclusion and fair access to new economic opportunities by strengthening the financial and digital resilience of vulnerable communities in Fiji.Overview of the ProjectAs part of UNDP's continuous efforts to advance financial empowerment and digital inclusion throughout the Pacific region, this project is a major step. The project aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the shift to digital economies by concentrating on marginalised populations, particularly women, youth, and rural communities.The program's emphasis on social protection, digital transformation, and inclusive growth is in line with UNDP's larger development objectives in Fiji.Contract Specifics Contract Title: Enhancing Resilience of the Most Vulnerable Segments of the Population Towards an Inclusive Digital Economy Contract Value: USD 100,084 Contract Date: September 11, 2025 Procurement Method: UNDP Request for Proposal (RFP) Purchaser: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Fiji Supplier: Good Return Limited, Fiji Reference Numbers: TOT Ref No. 20314912; Notice Ref No. 50007296/UNCDF-00214,2 Buyer: Fiji's United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The project's implementing partner is Good Return Limited, a social enterprise with a solid background in digital innovation, microfinance, and financial capability. The group has a track record of successfully promoting digital literacy initiatives and inclusive financial systems throughout the Asia-Pacific area.In order to empower marginalised communities, Good Return will use its experience to create digital tools, community training programmes, and alliances with nearby financial institutions.Goals of the ProjectThe project's goals are to Improve the financial and digital literacy of small business owners and vulnerable households Encourage women and young people in particular to use digital finance platforms safely Provide inclusive financial services to strengthen community resilience Encourage digital upskilling to increase employment and means of subsistence and To maintain inclusive digital ecosystems over time, local institutions should be strengthened. Strategic ImplicationsBy closing the digital divide and assisting Fiji's transition to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy, the project is anticipated to produce long-term benefits.Through enhancing digital literacy and access, the project will Make it possible for underbanked and unbanked people to access financial services Encourage the growth of microenterprises and entrepreneurship support youth empowerment and gender equality and bolster a community's ability to withstand social and economic shocks. Final ThoughtsThe USD 100,084 contract awarded to Good Return Limited demonstrates UNDP's dedication to promoting resilience and digital inclusion in Fiji. The project seeks to enable disadvantaged groups to actively engage in the developing digital economy through focused interventions and collaborations, supporting the nation's more general development and sustainability objectives. #Fiji, #UNDP, #GoodReturnLimited, #DigitalEconomy, #FinancialInclusion, #InclusiveGrowth, #Resilience, #VulnerablePopulations, #DigitalTransformation, #SocialDevelopment, #PacificIslands, #ContractAward, #UNProcurement
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