The Fiji Airways Aviation Academy is achieving annual cost savings of $22.7 million. One of the key benefits of the Academy is its capability to carry out all required training internally. This encompasses initial type ratings, common type ratings, recurrent training, remedial training, and license conversion.
Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka disclosed this information in Parliament, responding to inquiries about the Academy’s potential for growth. He noted that by performing these training tasks in-house rather than relying on external providers, Fiji Airways has successfully avoided considerable fees that would typically be charged by outside training centers.
“This strategy ensures that every dollar spent on training stays within the company, directly enhancing its financial stability,” Mr. Gavoka stated. He pointed out that in the past, pilots had to travel to various international training hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Brisbane, Seattle, and Bangkok. These trips not only involved training fees but also incurred significant costs for accommodation and other living expenses.
With the Academy’s establishment, those expenses have been completely removed, allowing pilots to complete all required training in Fiji and alleviating the financial strain linked to traveling abroad.