Vacancy Notice
Chief Executive Officer
Lulutai Airlines Limited – Nukuʻalofa, Tonga
Lulutai Airlines, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Tonga, is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality air transport services across our growing network. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation into its next phase of strategic development and operational excellence.
Position Overview
The Chief Executive Officer is the designated senior management official approved by the Civil Aviation Division (CAD) and holds ultimate responsibility for the leadership and oversight of all airline operations. This position is subject to CAD approval and may not be changed without regulatory consent.
The CEO will ensure that operations are:
- Fully resourced to manage safety risks and security threats;
- Conducted in strict compliance with the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Part 145 Certificate, aviation regulations, and the company’s Exposition and Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE);
- Consistently aligned with Lulutai Airlines’ vision, values, and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with CAR 119.55 and CAR 145.51, providing adequate personnel, facilities, and systems to support operational certification, safety, and efficiency.
- Oversee the implementation and performance of the Safety Management System (SMS) across all operations, including maintenance activities.
- Hold delegated authority over all operational areas, including flight operations, engineering, maintenance, finance, marketing, and customer service.
- Maintain accountability as the designated holder of the AOC and Part 145 Certificate, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.
- Provide strategic leadership to drive business growth, network expansion, and tourism development.
- Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners.
- Ensure effective corporate governance, reporting to the Lulutai Board of Directors
Strategic Accountabilities
The CEO is accountable for:
- Enhancing Tonga’s economic development through increased connectivity, tourism, and trade.
- Leading corporate planning, policy formulation, and regulatory compliance.
- Driving human resource development and organisational capacity building.
- Overseeing long-term fleet, route, and infrastructure planning.
- Managing major commercial negotiations, contracts, and investments.
- Developing and managing annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to the Board.
- Promoting a high-performance culture across the organisation.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven senior executive experience within the aviation industry or a related regulated transport sector.
- Strong understanding of ICAO, CARs, and regional and international aviation regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing AOC compliance, operational safety, and corporate governance.
- Strategic vision, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and communication abilities.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a complete application including:
- A cover letter outlining suitability for the role;
- An updated Curriculum Vitae;
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and relevant certifications;
- Two reference letters (one must be from a current or recent employer, if available);
- Police Record Certificate issued within the past three months.
Applications must be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and addressed to:
Chairman of the Board
Lulutai Board of Directors
C/o Mrs. Moana Kupu (Board Secretary)
47 Taufaʻahau Road,
Lulutai Airlines Head Office, Nukuʻalofa, Tonga
or sent via email to: vacancy [at] lulutaiairlines [dot] com
Deadline for submission: 5:00 PM, Friday 23 May 2025
For further information, contact us at:
📞 +676 7710033 or +676 8834152
hrms [at] lulutaiairlines [dot] com
Join us in ensuring the safety and excellence of Lulutai Airlines' operations. Apply today!
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