Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka addressed Parliament today to clarify recent actions taken against an air service operator and aviation training provider, emphasizing that safety and regulatory compliance remain the government’s top priority.
“It is a rule that governs our aviation system and protects every passenger, crew member, and aspiring student in this vital sector,” Gavoka said.
The Minister explained that the organization’s Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate expired on 22 November 2025 following regulatory assessments that identified repeated and serious non-compliances.
“Despite two limited three-month renewals granted to allow the operator to address significant audit findings, recent audits in October and November 2025 revealed deliberate and repeated violations of CAP return restrictions and ANR 140.5c requirements,” he said.
These included conducting maintenance without proper authorization and using unqualified personnel to certify aircraft maintenance.
Gavoka noted that although the operator submitted a corrective action plan, civil aviation authorities found it insufficient to restore confidence in the organization’s safety and quality systems. Consequently, the certificate will not be renewed.
“The decision was made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji under its statutory mandate, free from external influence, based on evidence, procedure, and duty,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged the impact on students, families, and flight schedules.
“We recognize the disruption caused, and students may experience delays. Various schedules will shift, and families will feel the impact. Yet no disruption outweighs the obligation to protect lives—no timeline supersedes safety,” Gavoka emphasized.
He stressed that the Fijian aviation system is vast and intricate, requiring strict adherence to regulatory standards to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and trainees.
