Fiji – Pilot training at Pacific Flying School (PFS) has come to a halt after the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) declined to renew the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certificate for Sunflower Aviation, a subsidiary of Joyce Aviation Group. The decision, which took effect on 22 November 2025, has grounded aircraft, suspended flying operations and left students facing significant delays and financial pressure.
- Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka told Parliament that the certificate expiry followed a regulatory assessment identifying repeated and serious non-compliances, emphasising that safety considerations made renewal impossible.
- Gavoka stressed that the decision was made independently by CAAF, in accordance with its statutory mandate, and reiterated that “no disruption outweighs the obligation to protect lives.”
- CAAF has indicated it will consider a rectification proposal from Sunflower Aviation, with recertification contingent solely on demonstrated compliance.
- Joyce Aviation Group CEO Tim Joyce criticised the regulator, claiming unsuccessful attempts to meet CAAF prior to the expiry and highlighting immediate operational consequences, including medical flights that could not be conducted.
- Joyce said 14 grounded aircraft have reduced student flying hours by approximately 50%, delaying multi-engine progression and causing significant disruption for around 100 trainees.
- Students report rising accommodation, fuel, food and administrative costs as training stalls, with some cadets having not flown for months and now needing “recent flight” checks to maintain valid CPL records.
- Concerns have also been raised about the impact on families funding training and the wider availability of medical evacuation services.
Statements
- “Students will experience delays… Yet, no disruption outweighs the obligation to protect lives. Safety is neither optional nor negotiable.” – Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Civil Aviatio
About Pacific Flying School (PFS)Pacific Flying School is a Fiji-based pilot training organisation operated under Joyce Aviation Group, providing ab-initio through commercial and multi-engine training. The school utilises a fleet jointly maintained under Sunflower Aviation’s AMO approvals.
Source: Local Media Reporting
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