The shortage of trained technical personnel in the civil aviation industry remains a serious barrier, says Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka.
Addressing the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly in Canada this week, Mr Gavoka called on ICAO for help in establishing training capacity programs for local technical aviators.
“We thank ICAO for its efforts to strengthen training and capacity development in the Asia-Pacific region, including a regional training symposium initiative,” he said.
“For Fiji, the shortage of trained technical personnel remains a serious barrier.
“We urge ICAO and partners to expand training scholarships, provide tailored curricula and explore regional centres of excellence, possibly within the Pacific, to close the capacity gap.”
Mr Gavoka stressed Fiji’s need for help in the adoption of new tools that would bring about new risks.
“As we adopt these tools and modern systems, we also expose our aviation as a structure to new risks.
“Cybersecurity must not only be treated as a technical concern but as a critical layer of aviation safety.
“We support ICAO’s ongoing work for a cyber security action plan and call for a special focus on helping low-capacity states build their digital resilience.”
He said the use of drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Fiji also needed ICAO assistance in building capacity for its authorities.
“Unmanned aircraft systems and drone innovation present new economic opportunities especially for island nations and remote communities, but without regulatory frameworks they pose safety and security risks.
“Fiji seeks ICAO assistance in developing appropriate UAS regulations and to build its capacity to manage integration safely and equitably.”
