Fiji Awards $1.83 Million Aviation Consultancy Contract for Vanua Levu Airport Development

Suva, Fiji

Fiji 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 Scope

The 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 Levu

• Procurement Method - QCBS - Quality and Cost-Based Selection

• Scope -

  • Feasibility study for a new Vanua Levu Airport

  • Assessment of potential upgrades to Matei Airport

  • Development of a masterplan for Labasa Airport

• Contract Duration - 1 year

• Award Notification Date - January 15, 2026

• Project Location - Fiji

The 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 Details

The 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 - 89.56

• Combined Score - 91.65 (Ranked 1st)

• Final Evaluated Price - USD 1,631,020.00

• Signed Contract Price - USD 1,834,897.50

Airbiz 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 Landscape

The 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 million

• Cadmus - USD 2.30 million

• Arup Australia Pty Ltd - USD 2.49 million

Two 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 Sector

Vanua 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 access

• Support sustainable tourism growth and private investment

• Improve connectivity for local communities and businesses

• Strengthen disaster resilience and operational safety

The 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 Outlook

The 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.

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