Air New Zealand does not have the authority to deny passengers authorized 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 counters Air NZ’s recent announcement that the new VIP Terminal will be restricted to royals, prime ministers, heads of state, foreign ministers, or their accompanying spouses. The airline cited Cabinet Directive FK (14)48.
The airline’s announcement last week comes in the wake of an alleged security breach involving 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 the Justice Minister, Olo produced a copy of Cabinet Directive FK (14)48 approved on 23 December 2014.
The 23 December 2014 Cabinet Directive FK (14)48 mirrors the Aviation Security Directive 002/2015 approved by the then Minister of Civil Aviation, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala.
The two endorsed policies clearly grant VIP privileges for both the Speaker and the Minister. Made pursuant to Civil Aviation Rule Part 140 A5 (b)(2), the Cabinet Directive and Aviation Security Directive authorize VIP liberties for:
- Royalties, Head of State, Governor-General, and spouses
- Presidents, Prime Ministers, and spouses
- Cabinet Ministers and spouses on official travel (including foreign counterparts)
- Speaker of the House and spouse on official travel (including foreign counterparts)
- Chief Justice and spouse on official travel (including foreign counterparts)
“It’s unacceptable,” Olo refuted the Air NZ demands, noting that common practice dictates that “the law of the land prevails.” In this case, the Cabinet Directive approved some ten years back prevails.
While he acknowledges Air NZ’s request for a VIP screening exemption process, the Minister reminded the airline that Faleolo International Airport is owned by the Government. As the Minister in charge, he holds the authority to decide how the facilities are used in the best interest of the government and the people.
“I am also serving notice by demanding an apology from the airline’s 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 the matter is clarified and to avoid any future misinterpretation that may lead to unnecessary incidents, Olo plans to share his concerns in a meeting with New Zealand’s Minister of Transport.
