Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has highlighted the pressing need for an independent review of aviation safety and oversight in the nation, a move driven by concerns stemming from issues related to the Joyce Aviation Group. He pointed out that the intricate web of stakeholders—including operators, regulators, and government bodies—could lead to conflicts of interest if the situation is managed solely at a local level.
To tackle these challenges, Rabuka proposed seeking the expertise of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), advocating for an external audit of Fiji’s aviation safety protocols. “I had asked that they solicit the support of the ICAO to come in and audit our safety requirements, take it out of Fiji, and get somebody else to look in,” he stated. He believes that such an external assessment is vital for obtaining an impartial view necessary to ensure that safety standards and compliance with international regulations are met.
The Prime Minister stressed that relying on local audits could potentially erode public confidence in aviation safety. By engaging international authorities, Rabuka argues that accountability will be enhanced, further protecting Fiji’s reputation within the global aviation industry. His statements follow the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s (CAAF) decision not to renew Sunflower Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate, a decision made after a thorough regulatory evaluation uncovered significant recurring safety non-compliance issues associated with Sunflower Aviation, a subsidiary of the Joyce Aviation Group.
Rabuka’s call for international oversight underscores a proactive approach to raising aviation safety standards in Fiji, a vital area for the country’s tourism-driven economy. By inviting external evaluation, there is optimism for improved regulatory practices that can foster greater confidence among the flying public while preserving Fiji’s reputation in international aviation circles.