12/12/2024
CIVIL AVIATION & AIRPORT MINISTER DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM AIR NZ.
By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Air New Zealand does not have the authority to deny passengers authorize by the Government of Samoa to use the new $11 million tala VIP Terminal at the Faleolo International Airport, disputed Civil Aviation and Airport Minister Olo Afoa Fiti Vaai.
The Minister’s response is to counter Air NZ recent announcement that the new VIP Terminal will be restricted to royals, prime minister, heads of states, foreign ministers or their accompanying spouses. The airline citied the Cabinet Directive FK (14)48.
The airlines announcement last week comes in the wake of an alleged security breach implicating the Speaker of Parliament, Papalii Lio Taeu Masepau and Justice Minister Matamua Seumanu Sili Vasati Pulufana after boarding an Air NZ flight to Auckland via the VIP lounge.
In reaffirming that there was no security infringement by both the Speaker of Parliament and Justice, Olo produced a copy of the Cabinet Directive FK (14)48 approved on the 23rd December 2014.
The 23rd December 2014 -Cabinet DirectiveFK (14)48 mirrors the Aviation Security Directive 002/2015 approved by then Minister of Civil Aviation, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala.
They two endorsed policies clearly grants VIP privileges for both the Speaker and the Minister.
Made pursuant to the Civil Aviation Rule Part 140 A5 (b) (2) - the Cabinet Directive and Aviation Security Directive authorizes VIP liberties to;
• Royalties, Head of State, Governor General and Spouses
• Presidents, Prime Minister and Spouses
• Cabinet Ministers and Spouses of official travel (include foreign counterparts)
• Speaker of the House and Spouse on official travel (include foreign counterparts)
• Chief Justice and Spouse on official travel (include foreign counterparts)
“It’s unacceptable,” Olo refuted the Air NZ demands noting that common practice dictates that “The law of the land prevails.” And in this case the Cabinet Directive approved some ten years back prevails.
While he acknowledges that Air NZ VIP request for screening exemption process, the Minister is reminding the airline that the Faleolo International Airport is owned by the Government and as the Minister in Charge he holds the authority on how to use the facilities in the best interest of the government and the people.
“I am also serving notice by demanding an apology from the Airlines’ local Manager for overstepping her authority in dictating who should and should not be granted access to use our VIP facilities,” insisted the Minister.
To ensure that the matter is cleared to avoid any future misinterpretation that may lead to further unnecessary incidents, Olo will be sharing his concerns in a meeting with the New Zealand Government’s Minister of Transport.