Fiji-registered aircraft undergo safety audits after deadly Air India crash

Fiji's aviation regulator has initiated safety audits of Fiji-registered aircraft in response to the Air India crash that killed at least 260 people on June 12.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka confirmed in Parliament on Tuesday that the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) had launched targeted audits of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet, Airbus A330, and Airbus A350 aircraft operating in and out of Fiji.

The audits focus on the inspection and validation of:

• Engine fuel cut-off switch mechanisms,
• Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems,
• Emergency engine shutdown and restart protocols, and the
• Black box recording and data retrieval capabilities.

Mr Gavoka outlined other ongoing efforts to enhance pilot training and increase regulatory scrutiny.

This includes increased surveillance of operator training programmes, with a renewed focus on Crew Resource Management (CRM) aimed at:

• Enhancing pilot mutual awareness,
• Improving challenge-and-response protocols duringcritical flight phases,
• And refreshing standard operating procedures during takeoff, climb, and emergency scenarios.

Authorities are also working to review regulations governing the investigation of aviation accidents, and develop robust and effective investigation systems and processes that align fully with international best practices and standards.

"These improvements are aimed at ensuring our systems are not only compliant, but capable of responding more quickly and effectively in the future," Mr Gavoka added.

"The Indian AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) is expected to release its final report within the next few months.

"Fiji, through CAAF, is already positioning itself to assess and integrate any relevant findings and safety recommendations into our own aviation framework."

The Deputy Prime Minister assured the public that the "skies over Fiji remain safe".

"They are safe because we, as a Government, refuse to take chances," he added.

"They are safe because the Coalition Government believes in accountability, vigilance, and proactive regulation. They are safe because the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in close collaboration with CAAF, continues to hold Fiji’s aviation industry to the highest international standards."

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