The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Pacific aviation is struggling to take off after the pandemic – how can the ‘blue continent’ stay connected?

  • Written by Apisalome Movono, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, Massey University
Pacific aviation is struggling to take off after the pandemic – how can the ‘blue continent’ stay connected?

With Samoa fully reopening its borders on August 1, another Pacific country moved tentatively forwards after two years of border closures and little or no international tourism.

But opening up is not as simple as flipping a switch, given the many challenges facing Pacific aviation. Rising fuel costs, mounting debt, management issues and a shortage of pilots[1] have all plagued the industry in the region.

Climate change adds to these problems. Tourism aside, small island nations with very small economies, spread across a vast expanse of ocean, depend on high carbon-emitting air transport[2] for health, trade and family connections.

These days, most Pacific national airlines are being kept afloat by government loans and guarantees – and in Fiji’s case, workers’ pension funds. With Pacific Forum economic ministers meeting in Vanuatu from today, all these issues should be high on the agenda.

Connecting the ‘blue continent’

Unfortunately, difficult conversations about the management of national airlines were largely absent at the earlier Pacific Forum leaders meeting in Fiji in July.

This was despite the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent[3] “to protect and secure our Pacific people, place and prospects” laid out at the meeting. And it would have been disappointing to the ordinary taxpayers who have often supported their loss-making[4] national carriers.

In 2021, for example, the Samoan government clipped the wings of Samoan Airways over concerns about its ongoing viability[5]. The role of maintaining national prestige and pride in the form of an airline is still raised[6] in debates about the nation’s near bankruptcy in the early 1990s.

Read more: The sun is setting on unsustainable long-haul, short-stay tourism — regional travel bubbles are the future[7]

Now, with international borders reopening, Samoa Airways has announced it will no longer operate[8] long-haul flights to Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland – traditionally its primary sources of passengers and freight.

This may dampen hopes[9] of a rapid resumption of tourism, an industry Samoa depends on for around 25% of its GDP.

With Samoa ending leases on some of its aircraft, its close neighbour Vanuatu is reportedly[10] considering taking one of those planes as part of its own tourism development plans.

Kiribati, too, has invested in its fleet, acquiring two aircraft[11] as part of an apparent international tourism growth strategy[12]. Ironically, however, Kiribati pulled out[13] of the recent Pacific Forum meeting, joining Micronesian countries[14] that have also left the organisation.

Turbulence for Fiji Airways

Meanwhile, the region’s largest carrier, Fiji Airways (formerly Air Pacific), is caught up in controversy over changes in its ownership structure[15] that caught many off guard in mid-July.

In particular, the Fiji National Provident Fund’s acquisition of a major share of the airline has been criticised by opposition MPs and union leaders for exposing the retirement fund’s members to a struggling enterprise.

Read more: Pacific tourism is desperate for a vaccine and travel freedoms, but the industry must learn from this crisis[16]

In 2020 the airline laid off large numbers of staff[17] as it dealt with the fallout from the pandemic. And there have been calls for greater transparency[18] in its operations. In 2021, Fiji’s former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry called the airline[19] a “noose around the necks of the taxpayers” after it took a FJD$130 million loan from the Asian Development Bank.

In an unprecedented move, Fiji Airways has now also taken over management[20] of Airports Fiji, a move the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) described[21] as “very unusual” and a potential conflict of interest[22].

Read more: Pacific Islands are back on the map, and climate action is not negotiable for would-be allies[23]

A ‘sense of urgency’

None of these systemic issues are entirely new. While cooperation has historically brought benefits for Pacific nations, tension between regionalism and nationalism[24] has also hampered a coherent aviation strategy.

In July, however, Pacific aviation ministers endorsed a new aviation strategy[25] aimed at ensuring “a safe, secure and sustainable aviation system” for the region. It is to be hoped this initiative works, despite the region’s many competing priorities, political uncertainties and shifting allegiances.

But the current political divisions[26] over Micronesia’s place within the wider Pacific family suggest these challenges will remain for some time.

Pacific Forum economic ministers meeting in Vanuatu today and tomorrow have already said[27] “the sense of urgency is very real”. Their discussions about “resilient economic recovery and stability” should include the role of regional aviation in achieving those goals.

Any realistic strategy for a “blue Pacific continent” must involve the good governance, cooperation and viability of sustainable airlines[28] so they can connect nations across that vast expanse of ocean for generations to come.

References

  1. ^ shortage of pilots (www.dailypost.vu)
  2. ^ carbon-emitting air transport (www.dw.com)
  3. ^ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent (www.forumsec.org)
  4. ^ supported their loss-making (www.rnz.co.nz)
  5. ^ ongoing viability (www.samoagovt.ws)
  6. ^ still raised (www.samoaobserver.ws)
  7. ^ The sun is setting on unsustainable long-haul, short-stay tourism — regional travel bubbles are the future (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ no longer operate (www.rnz.co.nz)
  9. ^ dampen hopes (newslinesamoa.com)
  10. ^ reportedly (www.ch-aviation.com)
  11. ^ acquiring two aircraft (www.rnz.co.nz)
  12. ^ growth strategy (devpolicy.org)
  13. ^ pulled out (www.theguardian.com)
  14. ^ Micronesian countries (www.aspistrategist.org.au)
  15. ^ changes in its ownership structure (www.fijivillage.com)
  16. ^ Pacific tourism is desperate for a vaccine and travel freedoms, but the industry must learn from this crisis (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ laid off large numbers of staff (www.rnz.co.nz)
  18. ^ transparency (www.fijivillage.com)
  19. ^ called the airline (www.fijitimes.com)
  20. ^ taken over management (www.fijitimes.com)
  21. ^ described (islandsbusiness.com)
  22. ^ conflict of interest (www.fijitimes.com)
  23. ^ Pacific Islands are back on the map, and climate action is not negotiable for would-be allies (theconversation.com)
  24. ^ tension between regionalism and nationalism (www.jstor.org)
  25. ^ endorsed a new aviation strategy (paso.aero)
  26. ^ political divisions (www.theguardian.com)
  27. ^ already said (islandsbusiness.com)
  28. ^ sustainable airlines (www.sustainableaviation.co.uk)

Read more https://theconversation.com/pacific-aviation-is-struggling-to-take-off-after-the-pandemic-how-can-the-blue-continent-stay-connected-187522

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping