LOCAL aviation operators are calling for a swift resolution to the Fiji Airports and air traffic controller issue.
Loss of business and income caused by Fiji Airports’ decision to shut down trainee pilot circuit training and skydiving type activities during a “strike” by the majority of ATCs has impacted on their operations.
The ATCs have maintained they are not on strike and simply want Fiji Airports to come to the negotiating table to resolve “longstanding pay and operational issues”.
While two of the major operators have acknowledged loss to business and revenue, they have different opinions on how the impasse between Fiji Airports’ management and the ATCs has played out.
Tim Joyce, managing director of Pacific Flying School and Skydive Fiji, said he was the most affected by the standoff.
“It is disastrous for our business,” he said.
“We are the most affected in Fiji because two of the key businesses have been impacted and if it continues, I will have to start asking questions about how I am going to maintain my staff.
“Another issue I have is that expatriate staff — who are starting to look overseas for opportunities — are hard to replace.
“I believe the action taken by the ATCs may have backfired because operations at Nadi International Airport in terms of international flights have not been affected.”
Free Fall Fiji project manager Andy Pine said the longer the issue remained unresolved, the bigger the impact on his business.
“It is a concern for us, especially when we haven’t been able to operate for a number of days and we have been turning business away,” he said.
“This issue needs to be urgently sorted out.
“I would rather be on the ground while this is being sorted out than in the air.
“We jump in an environment where we need ATC in control because we rely on them to keep our aircraft safe.
“We are not here to take sides, we just want this issue fixed so we can get on with doing business.”
