Levestam's Urgent Call to Action

An industry warning of an impending aviation crisis in Australia holds weight for Fiji and its Pacific neighbours, and points to the need for proactive leadership.

It also exposes the vulnerability of Pacific Island economies given aviation's role as the lifeline of connectivity to the world, said Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) chief executive, Theresa Levestam.

The warning, from Qantas' former chief executive officer Alan Joyce, pointed strongly to the next aviation crisis as a matter of when, not if.

For Fiji, the threat lay in the reliance on air connectivity for tourism, trade, and essential services which left the country exposed to global aviation disruptions, MsLevestam said.

In an article published by Australian Aviation, Mr Joyce highlighted threats such as geopolitical instability; climate change, and economic shocks, all of which resonated strongly with the Pacific, Ms Levestam said.

"Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and supply chain fragility; already challenge our infrastructure and resilience," she said.

"For Fiji, where aviation is a lifeline connecting us to the world, the risks demand urgent attention and action.

"It is indeed a call for proactive leadership."

Strengthen regional aviation collaboration

Strengthening regional aviation partnerships, investing in sustainable airport infrastructure, and building local aviation talent were more than just strategic moves, Ms Levestam said.

"These will be our survival strategies," she said.

"We must also advocate for stronger collaboration between Pacific governments and global aviation bodies to ensure our voices are heard in shaping future policies."

Mr Joyce's message was clear, thenext crisis would come, Ms Levesta said.

"But I believe that with this foresight, unity; and smart planning, Fiji and the Pacific can be ready; not just to get through tough times, but to come out stronger," she said.