This was largely because its annual revenue growth was directly linked to the expansion of the international tourism industry in Fiji.

The reorganisation, facilitated by the Civil Aviation Reform Act 1999, involved separating the CAAF's regulatory role from its commercial operations.

It was incorporated under the Companies Act and required to operate along commercial lines, with clearly defined profitability targets and with new terms and conditions of employment.

It also has the responsibility for disposing of assets not required by AFL and for managing a housing estate (with over 150 residential sites) and other properties.

The Minister said this division of responsibilities among profit making corporations required government to enact appropriate legislation to ensure that the safety of civil aviation was not compromised by commercial considerations.

“The amendments also cover operational, safety and health issues arising from the acquisition of larger aircraft by Air Pacific,” he said.

A total of 49 Regulations were amended to comply with safety standards and recommended practices introduced by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

These included Certification of Service Providers; Regulatory Functions; Airworthiness of Aircraft; Licensing; and Flight Operations and Rules of the Air.

A transition period of six months from the date of promulgation was provided to allow stakeholders to comply with the amended Regulations.