Notice to Stakeholders regarding the change in operations due to COVID-19
The first quarter of 2020 started on a high note with the Authority looking forward to a number of activities and projects to improve our service delivery to the industry. These plans have now been disrupted by the spread of COVID-19, now affecting the aviation industry worldwide.
The substantial reduction in international flights as a result of global efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 is expected to continue to impact business and flying operations for some time. This is a challenging time for all.
The Authority's priority is to ensure that our organization remains a capable and effective partner in assuring the well-being of staff, the travelling public, and aviation personnel.
With respect to our own activities and capabilities, local conditions are evolving rapidly with respect to the capacities of our officers and personnel as we monitor and adhere to the latest local response guidelines.
We have been directly affected by the temporary loss of 30% of our workforce who reside in Lautoka and cannot report to work.
Due to the effect of Covid-19, the Authority is promoting social distancing which now requires that all meetings and trainings to be postponed or cancelled, therefore, only small and essential meetings will be conducted with external parties. Furthermore, restrictions have also been placed on staff travel to operators or inviting operators to CAAF for business. This may affect service delivery turnarounds and we request your understanding and patience in the matter.
In view of the above, you are urged to use electronic means of communication as much as possible. Any payments due to the Authority can be deposited directly to CAAF account number 3662665 at ANZ Bank.
We request and encourage stakeholders to practice good hygiene for the overall safety of everyone should visiting CAAF be unavoidable.
Should any operator that they can no longer conduct operations in the way they normally do, they are advised to discuss heir predicament with the Authority and seek approval for alternatives and/or alternative means of compliance where this is permitted under the Standards Documents.
For this reason I urge you to review your permissions, authorizations, authorized person details, approvals and certifications as soon as possible and reach out to the Authority to discuss any changes you may require. This will enable the Authority to anticipate and effectively manage those requirements.
The Authority will respond by seeking information on the safety impacts of the proposed changes and measures you have in mind to mitigate any risks.
The earlier the advance notice is given, the more timely the Authority will be in responding to your request/query.
Instead of visiting the Authority, you are encouraged to log in to our website www.caaf.org.fj for any information and downloading forms or call on phone 8923155 or email info@caaf.org.fj.
The Authority will work as closely as possible with the operators during these difficult times to ensure aviation safety and security is maintained.
We encourage stakeholders to follow guidance of the Government of Fiji at www.fiji.gov.fj and World Health Organization (WHO) at www.who.int for any updates and advise in relation to COVID-19.