Acting Minister for Civil Aviation Ifireimi Vasu has defended the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) over its decision to restrict aircraft at Pacific Flying School, saying the move followed serious breaches involving unapproved engine overhauls and triggered a full regulatory audit.
Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Vasu responded to Opposition claims that CAAF had unfairly blocked engine installations carried out by an overseas provider.
“Let me state the facts, the law, and the timeline — the delay did not come from CAAF or the government,” Mr Vasu said.
He told Parliament that Pacific Flying School had installed three overhauled engines without prior CAAF approval, in breach of Fiji’s aviation safety regulations.
“Only an approved maintenance organisation may carry out aircraft maintenance. If not approved, the certificate of airworthiness ceases to be valid,” he said.
Mr Vasu explained that the overhaul work had been done by Suncoast Aero Engines, a provider not recognised under Fiji’s system.
As a result, CAAF initiated a full audit process.
A February 2025 audit was followed by an exit meeting in April, where serious compliance issues were flagged, including the unapproved engine work.
He said on 8 May, the flying school’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certificate was renewed with conditions, and two aircraft were grounded.
Despite multiple attempts, CAAF was not granted permission to audit the overseas provider, delaying the approval process.
“The initial safety case was incomplete. After further work, a revised case was accepted, and on 16 September, CAAF issued a one-off approval with strict conditions,” Mr Vasu said.
He rejected suggestions of political interference, saying CAAF had acted “exactly as a responsible regulator should in the interest of safety.”
