Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the urgent need for an independent review of aviation safety and oversight in the country, prompted by issues surrounding the Joyce Aviation Group. He highlighted that the complexities involving multiple stakeholders—including operators, regulators, and the government—could create potential conflicts of interest if the matter is addressed solely at the local level.
To address these concerns, Rabuka has suggested enlisting the assistance of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), calling for an external audit of Fiji’s aviation safety requirements. “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. This external review is essential, according to Rabuka, as it offers an independent perspective critical for ensuring safety and compliance with international standards.
The Prime Minister emphasized that local audits could undermine public confidence in aviation safety, arguing that involving international authorities would not only enhance accountability but also help safeguard Fiji’s reputation in the global aviation arena. His remarks come on the heels of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s (CAAF) recent decision not to renew Sunflower Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate. This decision followed a comprehensive regulatory assessment that uncovered significant and recurring safety non-compliances, with Sunflower Aviation being a subsidiary of the Joyce Aviation Group.
Rabuka’s call for international oversight reflects a proactive approach to elevating aviation safety standards in Fiji, a critical sector for the nation’s tourism-dependent economy. By inviting external scrutiny, there is hope for improved regulatory practices that instill greater confidence among the flying public and uphold Fiji’s standing in the realm of international aviation.