SODELPA MP Adi Litia Qionibaravi says the basic needs of our people must be the priority and the empty Fiji Airways aircrafts on the tarmac of Nadi Airport cannot feed hungry families.
She says right now, given the uncertainty of the pandemic and delay in the reopening of borders, should people continue to bail out Fiji Airways or is there an option to return the aircrafts to the vendors.
Qionibaravi adds the Minister and Fiji Airways must tell the people why they cannot return the aircrafts.
She further says the basic needs of our people are increasing by the day and we do not want starvation and lawlessness.
The SODELPA MP stresses it would be wise to prepare the people and the nation now.
Qionibaravi says it is important in this time of national calamity that the people are not held to ransom over the ego of the Minister of Civil Aviation, CEO or Board of Fiji Airways.
She is asking if Fiji Airways is obtaining further loans to repay the existing loans and will there be a call for financial assistance from government.
The SODELPA MP says there is insufficient information on the capability of Fiji Airways to repay its total debt liability.
Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says leasing planes is not like you are just taking a hire purchase item from Courts, and you can't just get a plane in return it later as there are lease agreements.
He also says the total $455 million government guarantee has not increased and only the time period for the guarantee is being extended.
