THE Joyce Aviation (Fiji) Group yesterday called for an independent investigation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
Group managing director and CEO Tim Joyce called for an inquiry into what he alleged was systematic corruption, primarily in the forms of abuse of power, including alleged targeted and systematic intimidation of individual stakeholders.
“We believe the opportunities for these abuses are enabled by the retention of an obsolete regulatory system that facilitates arbitrary abuses of power and is not in accordance with international best practices,” Mr Joyce said in a statement.
He said that more than 16 years ago a commitment was made to harmonise with other Pacific Island nations and adopt the New Zealand rules and standards.
“Despite overwhelming industry and stakeholder support, no tangible progress has been made.”
He pointed out several instances in which the alleged abuse by CAAF may have occurred.
“Some of these alleged abuses include not ensuring CAAF inspectors have the required experience, recency and qualifications to carry out aircraft flight checks safely which has resulted in a number of serious incidents and accidents, which are covered up and not investigated satisfactorily by the regulator.”
In response, CAAF CEO Theresa Lavestam said they did not want to be drawn into public exchange or media confrontation with any operator.
However, she said “the information being circulated by the said operator is unsubstantiated and damaging to an organisation that is working diligently to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and maintain the highest safety and security standards.
“We encourage any operator who feels aggrieved and who can substantiate their claims to do so through the proper channels, whether via confidential reporting, voluntary reporting, or under the mandatory occurrence reporting framework, rather than through the media.
“CAAF stands ready to investigate any substantiated concerns through the appropriate mechanisms, but we will not participate in ongoing public disputes that serve only to undermine confidence in the sector.”
Meanwhile, questions sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation last Friday remained unanswered.
