The Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, has delivered a scathing assessment of Lulutai Airlines, revealing that deep-rooted engineering workforce issues have plagued the national carrier since its inception.
Speaking after Civil Aviation suspended the airline’s operations over maintenance concerns, Piukala said the move was long overdue, citing years of non-compliance, understaffing, and a revolving door of temporary engineers that compromised safety and reliability.
The suspension on Saturday, which disrupted domestic flights for four days, marks a critical turning point in the government’s oversight of Tonga’s aviation sector.
Piukala has publicly thanked the Civil Aviation Authority this afternoon for suspending Lulutai Airlines’ operations, citing long-standing maintenance issues and repeated non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.
“This is not a sudden issue,” Piukala said in Tongan. “The problems that led to last week’s suspension have existed since Lulutai’s inception.”
He revealed that Lulutai’s financial struggles have severely impacted its operational capacity, including its ability to maintain a stable and qualified engineering workforce.
“Engineers were hired just like on a temporary basis, often leaving for better opportunities overseas” he said.
He described the situation in Tonga as a lack of continuity that has compromised safety.
The Minister also linked the December crash of the Saab 340 aircraft to the airline’s history of non-compliance, describing it as part of a troubling pattern.
He confirmed that the last formal warning from Civil Aviation was issued in April, and one of the key reasons for the recent suspension was the understaffing of Lulutai’s mechanical department.
Piukala emphasised the need for structural reform and strategic planning within the airline, including better incentives for staff appointments and long-term retention.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that national air services meet international safety standards and serve the public reliably.
The government has advertised the sale of shares and the operation of Lulutai, with the deadline for bidders extended until next week.
