After months of uncertainty, Air Fiji Limited is being closed down permanently as the owners, the Tuvalu Government is unable to raise some $10 million to revive the airline company.
Speaking to Fijivillage news this afternoon, Tuvalu Transport Minister Taukelina Finakaso, who is currently in the country, confirmed that the decision has been made and Air Fiji will now be shut down permanently.
Finakasos said they hope to be able to pay off all the debts, including the commercial banks and the Fiji Development Bank through the sale of all assets.
The domestic regional airline closed down in April this year and all its aircrafts are being sold off after Bill of Sale holders FDB called for tenders from interested buyers last week.
Air Fiji is also reported to owe the National Bank of Tuvalu $700,000, Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority $679,000, the Fiji National Provident Fund $350,000 and R. Patel Lawyers $65,000.
Meanwhile, Finakaso said they are yet to decide on how to pay off the 170 former Air Fiji staff their outstanding wages and salaries as the workers were not paid when the company shut down in April.
Air Fiji to be wound up
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