By Katalina Siasau
Tonga's Civil Aviation Office announced via Facebook this morning, its suspension of the Lulutai Airlines Ltd's Part 145 Maintenance Certificate, stating it was due to "confirmed breaches of the Civil Aviation Rules."
The Civil Aviation Office states that: "The suspension remains in effect until all identified non-compliances are rectified to the satisfaction of the Civil Aviation Office. No maintenance operations may be conducted under this certificate during the suspension period,"
Matangi Tonga sought clarification from the Director of the Civil Aviation Division (CAD), Vinolia Salesi, on how Lulutai Airlines will address the non-compliance issues, without the ability to perform maintenance.
"Lulutai knows what to do," she said.
She added they are in the process of working "to lift the suspension."
It is assumed, but not confirmed, that the Lulutai Airlines Ltd. had been given prior warnings from CAD and a deadline to comply with identified maintenance issues.
Frustrated travellers
Matangi Tonga questioned why there was no warning issued to the travelling public by the Civil Aviation ahead of their impending suspension of flights, to which she said, "I do not understand the question!"
The Civil Aviation's sudden suspension of the Lulutai flights and lack of prior warning to the public has significantly impacted both local residents and tourists.
Currently, Air Chathams is providing domestic service only to and from Vava'u with one aircraft.
This has left many international visitors and local travelers stranded in the outer islands, particularly Ha'apai.
Tourist operators in the outer islands are particularly frustrated, especially with the whale watching season beginning, as popular destinations include Ha'apai and 'Eua, which were serviced by the two smaller aircraft, that are now grounded.
Some operators expressed disappointment that the sudden suspension of domestic air services was bad for Tonga's reputation and they would have to work hard to rebuild trust in their markets.
