Civil Aviation Reform Amendment Bill passed in parliament

The Civil Aviation Reform Amendment Bill to ensure that all aerodromes used for international transport operations, whether commercial or not are designed and operated in accordance with international standards, has been passed in parliament.

Attorney General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the aerodromes include small general aviation airfields, large commercial airports and military airbases.

The Minister adds that the bill also seeks to amend the maximum 12 month period of a certificate or registration approval for the operation of an aerodrome however other certificates issued by CAAF offer a longer validity period.

He says the bill seeks to amend the Act to allow for a longer validity period.

Sayed-Khaiyum further elaborated that the bill will not affect the travelling public but is to do with safety and our ability as a country to meet these international standards.

Meanwhile SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula claims the Civil Aviation Reform Amendment Bill gives too much power to the Minister for Civil Aviation.

Nawaikula claims the past Government that initiated this reform did consultations and the reform was synchronised and structured and it was systematic rather than what the Government is now doing.

In reply to these claims, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stated that they were indeed following processes.

Sayed-Khaiyum clarified the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and the Minister for Civil Aviation are not the same.

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