Hopes High For Fiji Airways Return
The Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) is ready to accept the return of Fiji’s national carrier into its fold.
In an exclusive interview with SunBiz, chief executive officer, George Faktaufon, said hopes were high over Fiji’s re-entry to the association this year.
He meets with Aviation minister, Viliame Gavoka, next week, as the duo engage in what he anticipates would be fruitful discussions.
A founding member of the association, Fiji Airways resigned in 2015 following differences over an agreement about air services with Solomon Islands.
The national airline had suspended its services for a duration of 12 months thereafter.
Mr Faktaufon, an ASPA executive since August 1986, said he was encouraged by works that propelled the current Government to administer changes where necessary.
He welcomed strategies announced by Mr Gavoka in realigning the two ministries under the same umbrella portfolio.
“The minister wants to strengthen the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Tourism, maybe to review the policies,” Mr Faktaufon said.
“They are very important ministries.”
According to Mr Faktaufon, there was no national policy that merged aviation policy and tourism policy.
“You probably won’t find it if you look for it,” he said.
“This is very important, and that is how you tailor your national policy.”
About ASPA
The Association of South Pacific Airlines was established at the directive of the South Pacific Civil
Aviation Council which met in Apia on June 22-23, 1978.
The first meeting of regional airlines, held in Suva on March 7-8, 1979, formally agreed to launch the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA).
The inaugural meeting of ASPA took place in Suva on May 30-31, 1979, when the Articles of Association were adopted.
As a trade association, ASPA operates on a notfor-profit basis.