A fire truck for Ha'apai Airport donated by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), was handed over to Tonga Airports Limited, on 30 June 2026, at Fua'amotu International Airport.
THe Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Inagaki Hisao said the GGP is a small but important grant program by the Government of Japan that aims to address local community needs at the grassroots level.
Ensuring adequate emergency preparedness at the Ha'apai Airport has been a significant challenge. Until now, the airport has relied on firefighting vehicles borrowed from a nearby fire station whenever aircraft operations take place. This arrangement placed additional pressure on local emergency services and created challenges for maintaining sufficient firefighting capacity for the wider community.
"Recognizing these circumstances, the Government of Japan decided to support the procurement of this chemical fire truck. We hope that this vehicle will contribute to ensuring constant emergency readiness during airport operations, strengthening aviation safety, and enhancing the resilience of the Ha'apai community as a whole," the Ambassador said.
He noted that this project symbolizes the close and friendly relationship between the people of Japan and Tonga.
"I believe that friendship is the basis for the collaboration with Tonga toward the realisation of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" based on the rule of law, and we will work to further strengthen our relationship."
The hand over event was attended by the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, some Directors for Tonga Airports.
TAL CEO Poasi Tei thanked Japan for the donation, that will strengthen aviation safety and preparedness in Ha’apai.
