Page 19 - IB May 2025

Aviation Aviation
QUICK FLIGHT OVER PACIFIC

AIR SPACE

Garmin has announced the expansion of its Navigation out essential activities such as aviation safety certification
Database to include the South Pacific region, which includes and surveillance, capacity-building programs, and technical
Australia, New Zealand. assistance tailored to the needs of its member states.
Previously available only to users in the Americas and
Europe, this database now offers South Pacific aviation Regional recognition
customers access to the latest navigation information for their The Pacific region was recognised for its visionary strategies
Garmin avionics. and actions by the International Civil Aviation Organisation
Regional Director of Asia and Pacific, Tao Ma, at the 3rd
Security concerns Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting.
Fiji is expected to upgrade security at its domestic airports While opening the meeting, he said: “It is encouraging to
after concerns were raised in Parliament. note that considerable effort in the civil aviation field has
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation been initiated from within the region through important high-
Viliame Gavoka says that if international rules were applied, level forums such as this event, and through the launching
it would be clear that security at these airports needs to be of visionary strategies such as the Pacific Regional Aviation
strengthened. Strategy.”
Additional security scanning and screening systems will be
installed at all of Fiji’s ports of entry. China and tariffs
Air cargo volumes and capacity are set to rise in the coming
Delivery delays days after the US and China agreed to a 90-day partial
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) is calling suspension of the trade war, which had seen tariffs between
for governments to tackle supply chain disruption that is the two countries rise to more than 100% and duties added for
delaying deliveries of new aircraft, constraining capacity, and e-commerce shipments.
threatening Asia Pacific trade growth. After a weekend of talks, the two sides announced that
According to AAPA, average load factors are at a record high tariffs imposed since April 2, which amounted to 125% for
of 83% in the region, reflecting capacity constraints. imports into the two countries, would mostly be suspended,
“In 2025, over one-fifth of aircraft deliveries are expected with a 10% rate remaining from each side. The duty paid for
to be delayed,” said Subhas Menon, Director General of AAPA. de minimis shipment—mostly e-commerce parcels—will also
“Pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions remain be reduced.
unresolved, and there’s no clear path to any meaningful The US will also continue to apply the 20% tariff rate it
alleviation of these constraints.” introduced earlier in the year related to the fentanyl crisis.
AAPA pointed to the fact that aircraft and engine production
rely on materials from a variety of markets. The imposition Leadership crucial
of new tariffs and retaliatory measures threatens to drive up Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has urged
costs and slow production further. stronger regional ties to address aviation challenges and
unlock new opportunities, stressing the need for decisive
Safety Report action.
The Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has released its Opening the 3rd Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting in
report for 2023. Suva, Gavoka stressed that the outcomes of the gathering
General Manager Silimana’i Ueta Banse Solomona said the could reshape business across the Pacific and strengthen vital
report highlighted the organisation’s commitment to aviation partnerships.
safety, regulatory excellence, and financial transparency. He underlined the urgency of unified leadership to drive
“In 2023, we strengthened partnerships, enhanced digital long-term resilience and growth in the industry.
transformation, and delivered outstanding regulatory
oversight for our Member States,’’ he said. Air Force entry
“We are incredibly proud of our achievements, which The US Air Force plans for its sixth-generation F-47 fighter
reinforce PASO’s vital role in the Pacific aviation sector. Our to be able to fly significantly farther than previous jets.
continued efforts ensure a safer, more resilient aviation In a graphic posted Tuesday on X, formerly known as
industry, supporting economic growth, tourism, and Twitter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Allvin said the F-47
connectivity across the region.” would have a combat radius of more than 1000 nautical miles,
advanced stealth capabilities, and be able to fly at speeds
Funding for sector greater than Mach 2, or more than 1500 miles per hour.
Australia has funded the Pacific Aviation Safety Office The aircraft will be deployed in Pacific airspace.
(PASO) with a AU$1.13 million grant to enable PASO to carry

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