By Katalina Sisau

Tonga's Civil Aviation Division (CAD) suspended Lulutai Airlines Ltd. operations as of Friday, 18 July, citing "safety" as the main reason, after the airline did not meet the required standard for aircraft maintenance on its Twin Otter(A3-KLT) and A3-SP aircraft.

The Acting Director for CAD confirmed to Matangi Tonga today, that they officially suspended Lulutai Airlines Ltd operations on Friday, "due to non-compliance with a Part 145 maintenance organisation certificate."

A Part 145 refers to a regulatory framework that ensures that aircraft maintenance practices meet the required safety and quality standards.

"Currently, Air Chathams is providing the domestic service," the Acting Director said. He added that Air Chathams is doing their own maintenance.

The Air Chathams' Saab 340B is now the only aircraft providing a domestic service.

This morning, the Civil Aviation Division held a meeting with senior management from Lulutai Airlines and the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala.

The CAD are continuing meeting this evening and the Acting Director said they would issue an official statement later today.

On Saturday, Lulutai Airlines issued a public announcement for travellers to and from Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, and ‘Eua on the Twin Otter and A3-SPV aircrafts, stating all flights are cancelled.

 "Please be advised that due to unforeseen circumstances, all flights scheduled for today on Twin Otter(A3-KLT) and A3-SPV have been cancelled."

Meanwhile, dozens of outgoing international visitors are stranded in the outer islands, while incoming visitors arriving in Tongatapu are unable to transfer to their holiday destinations in Ha'apai and other outer islands.