PM opens pilot school
THE Fiji Airways Aviation Academy will be home to regional and international pilots as it continues to open its doors to aviators looking to continue their training.
While commissioning the academy in Nadi this week, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama explained that the multimillion dollar facility housed state-of-the-art simulators ideal for ongoing training for pilots.
“Moving forward, this academy is open to any pilot in the region and internationally who seek its services,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“I also urge other Pacific airlines to send their would-be and current pilots and their airline and regulatory authorities to Fiji to train here in this modern facility, which is as good as any in the industry.
“Anyone, from anywhere in the world, can train here.
“We can elevate second officers to first officer positions and first officer to captains through a faster process.
“All of this decreases the need for expat pilots in the Pacific. Pacific flights should be flown by Pacific people.
“These are well-paying jobs that perform a vital service to our region.
“We have the pool of talent. We simply needed the resources to put Fijians and other Pacific Islanders in the captain’s seat and this academy brings worldclass aviation education in Fiji’s own back yard.”
He said the academy was also equipped to ensure proper certifications were carried out.
“But a faster process is still a rigorous process, and all certifications are carefully carried out at the academy by our local senior ‘Check and Training’ captains who are highly skilled, highly experienced, CAAF-approved, pilots.”
He added the academy was ready to serve a nation on the cusp of a new dawn of tourism.
“We plan to welcome our first flight of tourists on December 1 of this year, starting from a list of travel partner countries that include among others Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Singapore where Fiji Airways flies directly.”