The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) has proposed an increase in its share of the departure tax to help meet its financial obligations, acting chief executive officer Sereima Bolanavatu told the Standing Committee on Social Affairs yesterday.
Ms Bolanavatu said CAAF currently receives $5 from the departure tax paid by each outgoing passenger, while other entities also receive a portion.
“Currently CAAF receives a $5 share from a departure tax that’s paid by each departing passenger, and I understand that other entities receive a certain share, a certain percentage of the share,” she said.
She told the committee that the Ministry of Finance had been approached on the issue.
“We had the Honourable Minister for Finance visit us last week, and we had proposed that the Government consider an increase in the $5 share that would assist us in meeting our obligations — our financial obligations,” Ms Bolanavatu said.
She added that CAAF’s fees and charges were currently very low and formed another key source of revenue.
“So we are also looking at reviewing the fees and charges and have this increased, and that will need to come about through the review of our regulations,” she said.
Committee chairman Iliesa Vanawalu supported the proposal, saying CAAF’s fees required urgent review.
“We totally agree your fees need to be reviewed to meet the current standard of how we are up in terms of doing business,” Mr Vanawalu said.
He noted that some of CAAF’s regulations, policies and legislation were outdated and called for a clear timeline to fast-track necessary reforms.
“If we map up a timeline, set a target in order for it to convene through Government — whatever means to speed up the processes — then meetings such as this will help you out in the long term,” he said.
