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Fiji aviation

Suva, Fiji: The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) has ordered Sunflower Aviation to shut down its operations after the company’s maintenance certificate expired and was not renewed. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation confirmed yesterday that Sunflower Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation Certificate issued under Air Navigation Regulations Part 145C expired at midnight on November 22, 2025, and was not renewed following regulatory findings. According to the ministry, a comprehensive CAAF assessment identified “significant and recurring safety non-compliances,” prompting the regulator to withhold renewal. The ministry said safety remains the Government’s top priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances. JAG chief executive and managing director Captain Tim Joyce has strongly disputed the Government’s position, labelling the public safety narrative “misleading” and rejecting the claim that Sunflower Aviation posed any risk. He insisted that the issue centred on a technical documentation matter rather than a safety breach, and warned that the decision would unnecessarily affect students, families, and staff. “We respectfully reject the claims and implications contained in the press release and assert that the public was misled about safety risks,” Captain Joyce said. He added that Sunflower Aviation had never operated an unsafe aircraft, nor had CAAF ever issued a finding that any aircraft maintained by the company was improperly released to service. CAAF stood by its determination, stating it acted independently under its legal mandate, and would consider any licence application only after all deficiencies were corrected, verified, and brought into full regulatory compliance. Captain Joyce, however, argued that CAAF’s decision was rooted in its interpretation of a paperwork technicality involving the release-to-service documents of a Cessna 172 used for private flight training at Nausori Airport. He said the aircraft had been cleared by a fully licensed CAAF-approved engineer and remained airworthy. “The minister’s statement omitted the actual grounds claimed by CAAF,” he said. “The decision was based solely on CAAF’s interpretation of a documentation technicality. The aircraft passed all required maintenance procedures and remains fully airworthy. Therefore, the issue is administrative, not a safety concern.” JAG further claimed that the abrupt non-renewal without a show-cause notice, corrective action pathway, or reasonable warning breached basic principles of natural justice, due process, legitimate expectation, and proportionality. The company also criticised the ministry’s public comments, saying they created an inaccurate impression of danger. “The Ministry’s press release wrongly equated a technical dispute with public hazard. No unsafe aircraft were ever operated by Sunflower Aviation, and no finding of that nature exists. The public deserves truthful, evidence-based communication, not vague insinuations of risk,” the group said.

Fiji Regulator Orders Sunflower Aviation To Cease Operations Over Compliance Issues

Aviation Today News Desk / November 24, 2025

Suva, Fiji: The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) has ordered Sunflower Aviation to shut down its operations after the […]

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often and causing serious aircraft damage. The government is now taking new steps to reduce the problem around airports. Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka told Parliament that the airline reported 41 bird strike cases in 2024, compared with 33 in 2023 and 24 in 2022. Four Boeing 737 aircraft were grounded last year after bird strikes, costing the airline about US $19.2 million, while another engine incident this year caused an extra US $4.8 million loss. A major incident took place on October 9, 2025, when Fiji Airways flight FJ450 from Christchurch to Nadi hit a flock of pigeons during take-off. The impact damaged the aircraft’s nose, wings, and both engines. The pilots safely returned to Christchurch Airport. Industry data shows that bird strikes have already cost Fiji Airways more than US $8.4 million in 2024 alone. These costs include repairs, grounded aircraft, and flight delays. Fiji Airports has started a Wildlife Hazard Management Program to stop birds from gathering near runways. This includes mapping bird habitats within five kilometres of airports, using bird deterrent systems, and training airport staff to handle wildlife safely. A new National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee has also been set up to bring together airport operators, environment officials, and local governments. The committee will coordinate actions to reduce bird strike risks across the country. Minister Gavoka said poor waste management, open drains, and fruit trees near airports attract birds. He urged local councils to improve waste control and restrict land use that encourages bird activity. “Safety is our top priority,” Gavoka told Parliament. “We must protect our people and our aircraft from unnecessary danger.” Experts say Fiji’s geography makes bird strikes harder to prevent, as many airports are close to the coast and farmland. Open garbage areas and food waste around Nadi and Nausori airports also draw more birds. Bird strikes usually happen during take-off or landing, when planes are flying low. Even small birds can cause major damage if they hit engines or wings. Authorities are now looking at advanced tools such as bird-detection radar, sound-based deterrents, and public education programs to reduce the risk. Communities living near airports will be asked to help by keeping waste areas clean and avoiding bird feeding near flight paths. Despite the losses, Fiji Airways says safety standards remain high and no passengers or crew have been injured in recent incidents. However, officials agree the issue needs urgent attention to protect both passengers and aircraft.

Fiji Airways Hit By Surge In Bird Strikes, $19M In Damages And Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often

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