Cabinet Taskforce on Air Pacific Review calls for more time on public submissions
Jul 3, 2008, 16:42

The Cabinet Task Force on the Review of the Air Pacific which met on 1st July 2008 has decided to extend the deadline for Public Submission on the Review to 31st July 2008.

Chairman of the Cabinet Task Force and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Co-operations and Civil Aviation, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said “this is to allow submissions especially from persons living abroad and who have an interest in Air Pacific to make their representations.”

Fifty one percent (51%) of Air Pacific Limited is owned by the people of Fiji through the Government of Fiji.

“The Government is mindful, however, that, despite the people of Fiji owning 51% of Air Pacific, Fiji does not have a final say in a number of important areas of the operations, strategy, and long term development of Air Pacific,” Ratu Epeli said.

“Many complaints have also been raised by members of the public, tourism operators, employees, and business entities."

Ratu Epeli said as the majority shareholder in Air Pacific, the Government believes it has the duty to protect its interests and allow the people of Fiji to voice their concerns in a transparent process and ensure that the full potential of Air Pacific as a true national and international airline is realised as soon as possible.

“Air Pacific must be fully integrated into the economy of Fiji to provide maximum benefit to the people of Fiji and her economy,” he said.

"To that end, the Cabinet Task Force consisting of;

•the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation – Chairman;
•the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Electoral Reform, Public Enterprises and Anti-Corruption – Member;
•the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Communication – Member; and
•the Minister for Finance, National Planning, Sugar Industry and Pubic Utilities – Member;

has been appointed by the Prime Minister to review Fiji’s position as a shareholder and to assess the many concerns that have been raised by the people of Fiji and the traveling pubic.”

Ratu Epeli said some of these concerns are:

i. Equal employment opportunities and working conditions for Fiji citizens employed by Air Pacific;
ii. Development of new routes to source new tourist markets;
iii. The lack of direct Air Pacific routes into South East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe;
iv. The quality of service provided to passengers of Air Pacific; and,
v. The inability of the Government of Fiji as the majority shareholder to exercise rights ordinarily granted to a majority shareholder.

“The Cabinet Task Force will, as a first step in its review process, accept written submissions from members of the public. Those wishing to make oral submissions must forward a written request to make arrangements. All submissions will be treated in the strictest of confidence,” he said.

“All written submissions are to be marked “Confidential” and addressed to:

“Air Pacific Submission - Cabinet Task Force”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation
c/o Department of Civil Aviation
Private Mail Bag
Suva

Attention: Mr. Akuila Waradi, Director of Civil Aviation

Or hand delivered to the Department of Civil Aviation, 8th Floor, Suvavou House, Suva.

All submissions must be received no later than 4.30pm on Thursday 31st July 2008.

For further information, please contact Mr. Akuila Waradi, on 3316876/3316877 or 3308412.”


Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Chairman
Cabinet Task Force on the Review of Air Pacific Limited
Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation



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