Transcript
SAMIU VAIPULU: Fortunately Fiji Airways is not charging us but we rent an office in Vava'u, Nuku'alofa and put on more staff so we've [had] a bit of expenses too.
KOROI HAWKINS: And your decision to go into domestic services first of all, is because there is demand is there?
SV: Exactly. There is a demand for more airline services and also there is a demand for cheaper fares.
KH: And was there any reason given for the delays or the withholding of approval for your application for an AOC, Air Operator's Certificate?
SV: The AOC with the Ministry, Civil Aviation Division, have given it to PASO and they have contacted some consultants in New Zealand to check and we are waiting for their approval.
KH: Just getting a handle on the acronyms, you said PASO, what is that?
SV: That's Pacific Aviation Safety Organisation.
KH: Right. And they are considering that now are they?
SV: Yes. They are doing that right now.
KH: So is that separate from the approval you need from the Ministry?
SV: It's separate. For the charter you don't need that. We had legal advice from the Ministry's lawyer that there is nothing against the charter so that is why we went ahead and arranged everything.
KH: Right. Was there any reason given why you have not been approved?
SV: No.
KH: And what is your plan going forward from here? What is your intention now?
SV: Trying to enjoy Christmas and we are looking at opening it in the new year.
KH: And how much does it cost to fly from the capital?
SV: $TP310 one way.
KH: You are planning, how much cheaper can you do it for?
SV: When we were planning on our own AOC, we were planning on $TP250 one way.
KH: And with your chartered Fiji Airways service?
SV: With our charter we were going to use $TP280. The main thing we were trying to do is to help the people. That's all we want. Help the people fly cheaper and also provide a reliable, safe means of transportation.
