Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the necessity of an independent review regarding aviation safety and oversight in the ongoing Joyce Aviation Group situation. He highlights that this matter involves a multitude of stakeholders including operators, regulators, and the government, which raises potential conflicts of interest. To mitigate this, Rabuka advocates for taking the process outside of Fiji’s jurisdiction.
“I had asked that they solicit the support of the ICAO, International Civil Aviation Authority, to come in and audit our safety requirements, taking it out of Fiji, and getting someone else to look in,” he stated. He expressed that relying solely on local checks could diminish public trust, hence independent scrutiny is vital when it comes to safety and international compliance.
Rabuka noted that involving an international body would not only preserve Fiji’s reputation in global aviation but also ensure that decisions are made impartially. His comments come on the heels of a significant regulatory decision made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), which did not renew Sunflower Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate last month. This decision followed a thorough regulatory assessment that uncovered persistent safety violations by the operator.
Sunflower Aviation acts as a subsidiary of the Joyce Aviation (Fiji) Group, further intertwining the implications of this matter with broader aviation safety standards in the region. As such, Rabuka’s call for an independent audit presents a potential pathway to enhancing aviation safety protocols, which could instill greater confidence among the public and ensure adherence to international standards.
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