Airports Fiji Ltd has pledged $1 million in cash and kind towards Cyclone Winston relief efforts.

AFL Executive Chairman Mr Faiz Khan said they contribute $250,000 to the Prime Minister's National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund and other donations will be in kind.

"AFL has also waived all air navigational and landing fees and charges for all relief operations over the next few months. For this week $120,000 in fees and charges have already been waived. We are estimating that we will waive around $500,000 in aeronautical charges over the next few months during relief operations. The exact figure will be known once the relief operations are complete," stated Mr Khan.

In addition to the waiver of fees Airports Fiji Ltd is also providing ground support for the relief aircraft.

"So far we have 25 relief aircraft that have landed into Nausori and Nadi. These aircraft mainly are P3 Orion’s, C130 Hercules and C17 Globemaster. The Globemaster’s have brought in a number of choppers for relief operations. We are expecting a similar number next week.”

"We will also be providing relief items for AFL employees that were severely affected by Cyclone Winston. AFL recognizes the responsibilities and obligations that it has to the greater Fijian communities and is gratified to be in a position to substantially contribute in a practical sense,” he added.

By Reginald Chandar