Air Kiribati and Pionair (Bankstown) E190-E2 EIS meeting in Auckland last week

[longlegs]

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1048x785/air_kiribati_and_pionair_38ebfc6869f3b22db617083ac938c33991a 32431.png
Air Kiribati and Pionair (Bankstown) E190-E2 pre entry in to service meeting in Auckland last week. C/O Embraer via LinkedIn

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

They'll be able to use the same photo for the creditors meeting.

[uhoh]

Why is Pionair involved with the Air Kiribati E190-E2 EIS?

[wheels_down]

Another Airy Fairy Embraer dream.

The won’t be smiling for long.

[PoppaJo]

My only recollection of this place was to depart about 1m off the centreline to avoid losing a wheel in all the potholes.

[machtuk]

Last time I was in Christams Is I could almost feel the presence of WW2 bombers, sure felt what they left behind, a well used concrete/grass RWY! Talk about in the middle of nowhere! :)

[VH DSJ]

Any link to the Linkedin article?

[thorn bird]

No hope, unless they run on the NZ register, CAsA would have it shutdown in a month.

[Centaurus]

My only recollection of this place was to depart about 1m off the centreline to avoid losing a wheel in all the potholes.

Going back many years but the rough surface was why we used Flap 25 for takeoff in the 737-200 to lower the VR speed to get off the deck sooner and minimize time on the runway.

[TBM-Legend]

Both Tarawa and Christmas Island runways have been resurfaced. Fiji Airways B737 goes through Xmas and Nauru and Solomons both operate through Tarawa

[Snakecharma]

I don’t think we saw an answer to a very pertinent question posed by the appropriately named “uhoh”

There are three organisations in this country still operating that have introduced E-Jet aircraft into service and Pionair isn’t one of them. There are still people from Skyairworld around too.

it might only be a small jet but it couldn’t be further away from those buckets of bolts 146’s that pionair have than a tiger moth is to the space shuttle - they both have wings and at least one has engines but that is about as far as the similarities go.

The corporate history built up in air north, njs and virgin in relation to the spec, build inspection, acceptance testing and delivery, SOP development, training and checking of initial crews and entry into service is enormous, none of which Pionair have, so you have to repose the question asked by “uhoh” and go huh?

[LeadSled]

Folks,
The brains behind the present Pionair and related companies do have one thing in their favour ---- a long track record of solvency in an aviation sector better known for insolvency.
As for the technical aspects of flying operations, their team have plenty of experience, and the E-Jets are just another aeroplane.
Tootle pip!!

[Mach E Avelli]

There will be huge bureaucratic and logistical obstacles to overcome, but as long as the Kiribati Government keep signing the cheques, with the right management anything is possible. Fortunately that government has plenty of cash squirelled away from fishing royalties. Unlke the Nauruans they have not pissed it away on breweries, pubs, casinos, ships and (so far) airlines.
There was a time about 50 years ago when Tarawa was one of the best crew layovers in the Pacific. But much has changed, with Tarawa now one great rubbish dump. Overcrowded, dirty, stinks of sewage. The lagoon which we once skinny dipped in is now so polluted you would be unwise to even put your big toe in the water - don’t eat the fish unless it comes out of a tin.
Some of the more remote islands are still relatively unspoiled, so chuck enough billions at it, build some resorts and who knows? Could be the next go to place?
One thing is for sure, the only profits in this exercise will go to Embraer and Pionair, not the Kiribati government.

[LeadSled]

Except for two administrations and one liquidation - otherwise pretty sound....
M,
Hardly an in-depth analysis of who Pionair is, as opposed to who they were.
About the only thing that hasn't changed is the name.
Tootle pip!!

[SuperForgetful]

M,
Hardly an in-depth analysis of who Pionair is, as opposed to who they were.
About the only thing that hasn't changed is the name.
Tootle pip!!

You reckon that the only thing that remains the same is the name?

Wrong. Try the opposite.

“Nothing has changed EXCEPT the name!” And by George have they mastered it!

The brainiacs you for some reason praise as being solvent, continue today despite them having an APPALLING track record of solvency – many former employee’s super funds with UNPAID FUNDS would stand with me to disagree with you when they look at their accounts. Lemme break the facts down for you of the Players’ Involvement:

1) Pionair Australia: 2 Administrations, 1 receivership, owing taxes & other creditors multi-millions. Directors & business remains.

2) MacAir: You guessed it! Another failed airline, former owner in that EIS pic.

3) Skyforce Aviation: Division of Pionair Liquidated owing millions in unpaid employee entitlements & other creditors (Super remains unpaid). Same Directors & Business as Pionair Australia

4) Skyforce Australia: ANOTHER division of Pionair, Liquidated less than a year into operations (Super remains unpaid). Same Directors & Business as Pionair Australia.

5) Pionair Charters: Started last year, same pattern? Is this going to be their latest Skyforce reinvention just with the BAE-146’s replacing Convairs as the loss-making aircraft of choice? How novel! Wonder how their super is tracking nowadays?

How is it possible, that these (in)solvency kings of our industry are involved as experts for any part of the E190-E2 project other than it’s swift wind up and establishment of top notch strategies to diddle the little guys involved of their owed retirement funds?

Find me a single mainstream media article on Pionair?? None! Maybe that’s how they prefer it, so they can keep saying and acting as if they are a startup with zero history and can keep reinventing their brand without consequence?

Will Air Kiribati mind waiting 3+ years <<after delivery>> for their first revenue flight? Sounds daft however is a critically pertinent question.

Remember their first BAE-146 G-ZAPN (now VH-SIF), not first of type, and not requiring them to upgrade to RPT, or conjure a BRAND NEW NZ AOC landed Bankstown 9 April 2013. There would have had to have been manuals, training, AOC approvals and other preparations before it landed. It’d be a closely managed process, right? That would be the bare minimum industry standard process from an expert organisation of industry heavyweights, right?

Wrong. Try the opposite.

It flew to Australia as a private flight and was a resident at Bankstown Airport for over 3 years.

3 Full Years and then some. Indisputable black & white, wheels on ground, FACT. That’s their credentials adding their latest to their AOC, Folks.

Their BAE-146 AOC was issued 6 July 2016. That’s 1184 days in Bankstown without an AOC. CASA must be laughing, or crying, or crying laughing at the incompetence of the revolving door of their “expert” team.

Their passenger aircraft BAE-146 G-ZAPK (now VH-SAZ) arrived 13 February 2018 and didn’t fly revenue passengers until August 30 2018! My source says their sales team had to cancel a series of contracts for the Commonwealth Games (March 2018) as their team couldn’t get the AOC pax upgrade done by agreed deadline. But 6 months late? Yep, stellar example of a bunch of top-notch industry-leading brainiacs yet again right there.

Anyone else spot a pattern? I wouldn't get these experts to wash a Cessna let alone set up an AOC for an E190-E2.

I heard they are in serious strife yet again and the industry is just waiting for their upcoming administration/liquidation, so the vultures can come pick over what, if anything, is left after lessors have extracted their dues. Again.

Surely you’d call stumps and move onto something else after this many failed attempts?

Air Kiribati and Embraer should “calmly yet swiftly make their way to the nearest emergency exit”. As was said earlier, if they don’t, they can keep the photo for the creditors meeting in the near future!

[skol]

3 Pionair companies have been removed from the NZ companies register.

[geeup]

Same names always seem to be associated with this company / companies.

Heard they wanted AUD$40,000 for a BAE146 endo in Melbourne 😂 and yet people did it..

[Icarus2001]

Air Kiribati currently only operate a Dash 8 and a Twin Otter, that is a very big jump. Those fishing royalties better keep rolling in to pay for a shiny new E2.

[coaldemon]

Don't they have some big money in a sovereign wealth fund? I have never seen a Dash 8 up at Kiribas though.

[Icarus2001]

Any news on progress with this plan?

[Zhoottoo]

Brand new KI Acting CEO. Not sure what happened to the old one. Maybe liked São José dos Campos more than Tarawa.

[Lillian]

Unlke the Nauruans they have not pissed it away on breweries, pubs, casinos, ships and (so far) airlines.

I seem to recall they dropped $20m (or more) some time back (late 1970's?) with the Air Tungaru 727-100.
Had a huge payout from the Brits from the Ocean Island (Banaba) settlement that went pretty quickly.
The aircraft went to Bloodstock after it's Kiribati working life; a fairly interesting tale.

[noclue]

Has this new Ejet got ETOPs approval yet?

[Icarus2001]

So is the Ejet up and operating yet?

[zanzibar]

No.

Application in to the IASC for rights to Oz. Anticipated start a March 2020.

[coco-nuts]

Zanzibar, yes they certainly have applied to the IASC. They are about to enter into a very finite market, however, with Big China's money behind them, they appear to have massive resources to throw at the market. First of type in the Central Pacific also ensure the Brazilians will work very hard to enable success. I am sure Pionair (not new to the industry) and Air Kiribati understand how big the Pacific Ocean is and its even bigger ability to swallow huge wads of money. Best of luck to all concerned.

[Badengo]

The engineering boys are in Bankstown now doing the type course.
Air Kiribati do operate one Dash8-100 ex Maroomba, WA (MSN 388).

[Badengo]

Brand spanking new E2 in the Embraer paint shop now going into Air Kiribatis livery.
Wings still aren’t fitted, crazy Brazilians!

[coaldemon]

According to the Embraer sales people it is capable but not approved for ETOPS. If it is the same engine as the A220 they may be in for a wait on that one.

[Snakecharma]

Virgin had the first “classic” ejets that were etops certified. Not sure how many other operators took up the option.

I can’t imagine embraer, particularly with the impending sale to Boeing, would be too keen to go through the expense of certifying the aeroplane for etops without a customer and some sort of likelihood of a return on their investment.

[puff]

VAs E-jets were not EDTO/ETOPS certified. Before 2014 the non EDTO threshold was 90 mins before CASA removed this. Now it's 60 min thresholds or you are EDTO. The aircraft is 120 min capable, not sure if the E2 is 120 min certified yet, can't find much online

[Vref+5]

Not EDTO, different airframe/engine combination to the original 190, so limited to 60 minutes for now

[Car RAMROD]

With supposed plans to take it to Christmas/Cassidy (PLCH), I’d expect Embraer to be working hard towards the 120min title (if it isn’t already, which sounds like thats the situation). You know, help their launch customer out and prove that their aircraft can do long distance remote operations successfully. I suspect Emb have a lot riding on this aircraft.

I doubt there’s a way to get to Cassidy with only 60mins.

NGTA all the way to Bris and NZAA can be done with minimal diversions off the direct track to maintain within 60. Range/performance dependant of course, I have no idea about the E2’s capability.
NFFN not so much, unless Funafuti gives them the ok to use their strip. I don’t know the ACN and PCNs..

[onehitwonder]

Fact is Air Kiribati can’t operate, so have sourced externally...a lot of variables doing that

[speed2020]

New business setup in New Zealand as Air Kiribati International of which Pionair is 49% shareholder, yet Kiribati government is funding the purchase and setup of E2 operations

Search Air Kiribati in companiesoffice dot govt dot nz

[Mumbai Merlin]

Are these aircraft registered as "T3" prefix?

Just curious as a former PNG Beech 200 P2-ALC was apparently sold to Kiribati a month or so ago? Just wondering if the B200 arrived and took up a Kiribati rego?

[onehitwonder]

Kiribati Airline running under NZ AOC into Australia with European crew...

[VH DSJ]

Kiribati Airline running under NZ AOC into Australia with European crew...

So where does Pionair fit into the picture?

[speed2020]

Brand new KI Acting CEO. Not sure what happened to the old one. Maybe liked São José dos Campos more than Tarawa.

Acting KI CEO now removed from position by the Board
Position advertised on the Air Kiribati Website. Anybody interested??? Its a political nightmare*Chief Executive Officer*

1.**************Introduction

Applications are now invited from interested and suitably qualified persons from around the world for the position of International Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with the national airline of Kiribati, Air Kiribati Ltd.

Full details of the position, with background information and context, can be sighted on AKL’s website:*

2.**************Qualification and Experience

Interested individuals should possess minimum attributes as follows: -

a relevant degree in business management preferably in airline operations;
At least 15 years’ work experience senior management levelsin small to medium-sized reputable regional or international airlines;
Evidence of familiarity with International Civil Aviation Conventions and training in aviation safety procedures;
Demonstration of ability to work under pressure and overcome adversity;


3.**************Remuneration

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.* This will be benchmarked to regional levels and comprise an annual salary, housing allowance, company vehicle, and family support.*

4.**************Application Process

Expression of interest for the position of CEO should be in writing addressed to: -

Chairman

Board of Directors

Air Kiribati Ltd.

Bonriki, Tarawa

Republic of Kiribati

*It can be sent by either email or physical post. Applications should include the following: -

Curriculum Vitae*detailing academic qualifications and relevant
practical experience in the management of airline operations complete with documentary evidence:
Referees:**Applicants should provide the name and address of*three*referees and a reference letter from them.
Deadline for submission of Applications:**All applications must be received no later than*Friday,26th December 2019. Those submitting applications by email, please send to this email address:*[email protected]*


Late applications will not be accepted.

[speed2020]

So where does Pionair fit into the picture?

It will be operated by Pionair with Pionair crew. Pilots and engineers already trained i believe.
How will this work is another story. Does Pionair have an NZ AOC? E2 is the first of type for NZ

[AerialPerspective]

They'll be able to use the same photo for the creditors meeting.

No, it's not based on NLK is it???

[VH DSJ]

Any truth in the rumours of some tie up with Pilbara Airlines? Although it seems Pilbara Airlines have got their own AOC now operating A320s.

[patagonianworelaud]

Acting KI CEO now removed from position by the Board
Position advertised on the Air Kiribati Website. Anybody interested??? Its a political nightmare*

There's an exec recently fired from another island airline who is looking for a job. As a self-professed marvel he would certainly leave his mark with Air Kiribati if they took him.
They have deep pockets, too, which is right up his alley but I think thorough due diligence might see him eliminated. Mind you, if they can't get the day and date correct in their ad then proper due diligence might be a challenge.

I also notice they require budding Flight Attendants have a " Demonstrated ability to swim 500 metres;" Rather a demanding requirement, isn't it?

[zanzibar]

FFS!! If you're talking about who I reckon you are then any poor bastards faced with squandering squillions on a fanciful dream to be an international jet operator certainly don't need the likes of him - unless they want to see their dollars disappear more quicker.

You would of thought the ATR exercise had taught them a lesson or two on futility.

[Icarus2001]

Application in to the IASC for rights to Oz. Anticipated start a March 2020. I had a read of that.

The March 2020 date was the earliest for the approval and must be used before Nov 2020 I think it was.

If they want to be up and running by March they would need to be well advanced by now surely?

[geeup]

P2-ALC formly KSN & HCN the old Swires KingAir arrive at Tarawa 11/10/19

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/P2ALC

[smiling monkey]

Air Kiribati takes delivery of first E190-E2

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/84809-air-kiribati-takes-delivery-of-first-e190-e2

[airdualbleedfault]

Pilbara Airlines now have their own AOC operating A320s

They have? This from their website :Whilst we will not commence flight operations until late 2020 or early 2021 we want to hear from you now.

[ringbinder]

Air Kiribati takes delivery of first E190-E2

So, the haemorraging of $$$$'s is soon to begin.

They lost heaps on the ATR and, prior to that, even more on the Air Tungaru B727.

Why do they think this will be any different?

[foam]

Aircraft will be VH registered, under Pionair's AOC.

[speed2020]

Aircraft is on the way. Flight-aware tracking of PR-EHT shows currently on way to Darwin and then onwards to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Pionair is based out of Bankstowns, yet why Wellcamp.

Also this is the single biggest purchase for the country of Kiribati but no big news of its purchase, no island style flyover to Tarawa.

Interestedly all the sector flown is below 29000ft. No RVSM approval???

[Icarus2001]

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/10/23/first-air-kiribati-jet-arriving-by-year-end-confirms-manufolau/

https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-kiribati-takes-delivery-of-first-embraer-190-e2/135961.article

[coaldemon]

Aren't the geared Pratt's limited to FL290 after the issues in Europe on the A220 until they do a software upgrade? I understand they use the same engine.

[ghyde]

Landed at Wellcamp today after flight from Darwin

[Icarus2001]

So is Wellcamp just a cost effective place to store the aircraft whilst getting it put on to the Australian register? Added to the AOC etc

[WannaBeBiggles]

So is Wellcamp just a cost effective place to store the aircraft whilst getting it put on to the Australian register? Added to the AOC etc

Probably cheaper than Darwin, not sure if there is an agreement with AirNorth, but they do have an E-170 engineering base down in Wellcamp.

Anyone know where PionAir are getting the drivers? Never saw anything advertised.

[PoppaJo]

Probably cheaper than Darwin, not sure if there is an agreement with AirNorth, but they do have an E-170 engineering base down in Wellcamp.

Anyone know where PionAir are getting the drivers? Never saw anything advertised.
The CP and HOTC is ex VA and EK so I would imagine would have contacts without needing to advertise.

[Roj approved]

Spotted in Darwin a couple of nights ago

[Anonymousyellow]

1. 2016 Air Kiribati proposed to the government (and the funder Taiwan) a used A319. A few months later it was then an old B737 Combi. In 2017 they approached Air Niugini and Alliance Airlines to venture with the Fokkers.
2. 2018 out of nowhere they announced their interest of the E190 E2 and the Shark demo aircraft turns up to Tarawa. Air Kiribati signs the documents and places a deposit.
3. Taiwan withdraws the aid funds stating they will only provide aid for health, education and agriculture as stated in the agreement. The Kiribati government is then desperate to find aid funds to pay for the aircraft.
4. 2019 China offers to pay for the 2 E190s provided Kiribati terminates Taiwan and takes back China into the country. It's all part of China's "One belt road" strategy to obtain Kiribati along with other Pacific Islands.
5. Kiribati has now sold itself to China for the jets.

Background:
Air Kiribati and the local CAAK is not capable to register jets hence the VH and ZK registrations.
The majority of the Kiribati people are not happy with the purchase of brand new planes whilst the country is still struggling in health, education and development.
Air Kiribati had an ATR72-500 International venture in 2002 and it only lasted 2 years. The nation has a very small niche tourism market. There are already 3 carriers servicing Tarawa from Nadi, Honiara and Nauru all filled with mainly government aid workers and local patients.
A very political project


Cheerios!

[listria]

Any news on this? Are they in Kiribati yet? Where will they be flying to?

[Anonymousyellow]

Any news on this? Are they in Kiribati yet? Where will they be flying to?

At the moment in Tarawa there's no parking space on the apron and still no hangar built for the jets.
​​​​​​🤦🏻‍♂️

[smiling monkey]

Any news on this? Are they in Kiribati yet? Where will they be flying to?

I don't think they even have RPT on their AOC as yet!

[Centaurus]

Not to mention the amount of government money down the drain when Air Tungaru (previous name of Air Kiribati) operated a Boeing 727-100 freighter from Tarawa to Honolulu via Christmas Island circa 1979.
The crews were former Air Nauru pilots in those days.

[TBM-Legend]

or Airlines of the Marshall Islands operating Saab 2000 and a DC-8 out of HNL

[Mumbai Merlin]

There is probably no hurry to get operation up and running. Chinese money; so who cares, it's all about Chinese presence.
Back here in Port Moresby, Air Niugini has cancelled order for 737MAX, reviewing other options. PX president Allan Milne said Embraer 190 might be good deal. Chinese money?

[speed2020]

Anyone has status on this. Has this been registered with CASA yet. I hope this doesn't come a very expensive toy collecting dust in AUST.

I suspect the current government would need to rush this as elections are coming up in March or April 2020. Last time something similar happen (ATR-72) the president had to resign.

[wheels_down]

Rush Rush and CASA are not two and two. Especially for a new type and a operator new to narrow body pax ops.

I would hazard a guess and say the end of the year.

[Petropavlovsk]

Embraer E190, VH-IKJ registered today to Republic of Kiribati, with Pionair as the operator..

[Global Aviator]

One better hope it’s not Chinese money at present!!!

[maxter]

So is Wellcamp just a cost effective place to store the aircraft whilst getting it put on to the Australian register? Added to the AOC etc
Still parked there. Costing someone to have it just sitting around

[listria]

So what's next? The AOC? Will that take long?

[uhoh]

So what's next? The AOC? Will that take long?

Their IASC application hints at having RPT added to their AOC by mid March.

[Anonymousyellow]

One better hope it’s not Chinese money at present!!!
Definitely Chinese money!

[Icarus2001]

Well I guess that puts a stop to that for a while at least. Plenty of time to get the paperwork in order now.

[foam]

VH-IKJ flew yesterday WTB-BNE - the long way round... via ROK! Didn't land there, just flew to ROK, turned around and came back to BNE. Rumour is, proving flight with CASA onboard...

[TWOTBAGS]

Not a proving flight, will be doing a relief flight with medical supplies to the pacific in the next few days.

[foam]

Why up to Rocky and back down then? WTB-BNE should be 15 minutes, it took them about an hour and a half...

[Mumbai Merlin]

Recency / currency checks for flight crew.

[listria]

Another trip up and down the coast. Hopefully will start being useful soon.

[listria]

Plane now appears to have landed in Tarawa. Amazing news

[Icarus2001]

Where is it now?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1200x819/92762_1590624837_21c464dd4ca01c1f5393a0ee8dec13ff5e3cddb1.jp g

[smiling monkey]

Where is it now?

FR24 is your friend. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-ikj

Looks like it's been doing circuits around Toowoomba.

[Anonymousyellow]

Plane now appears to have landed in Tarawa. Amazing news
It had been doing random freight runs to Tarawa

[Office Update]

The aircraft is costing money; not doing much flying..

So whom is paying the bills and where is the revenue coming from?

The Kiribati citizens cannot afford proper balanced meals, medical facilities, schools, communications, education, .....

Who is scamming who?

[WillieTheWimp]

My guess would be China.

[Anonymousyellow]

The aircraft is costing money; not doing much flying..

So whom is paying the bills and where is the revenue coming from?

The Kiribati citizens cannot afford proper balanced meals, medical facilities, schools, communications, education, .....

Who is scamming who?
China's money, china scamming the Kiribati people 🤦🏻‍♂️

[onehitwonder]

They have more money than god, been tucked away for 100 years

[chimbu warrior]

It had been doing random freight runs to Tarawa

So they must have an AOC then.

[Icarus2001]

Pionair has the AOC.

https://www.pionair.com.au/e190-e2

[SKYCAMEL]

Ah, no they don't.

[hadenuff]

Regarding where the money is coming from. But as stated above it was blatently obvious.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/26/asia/china-australia-pacific-islands-intl-hnk/index.html

[smiling monkey]

Any updates on Air Kiribati's E190-E2? Seems to be flying recently between Brissy and Toowoomba according to FR24. Flight crews maintaining currency perhaps?

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vh-ikj#252287a3

[onehitwonder]

Still not on the AOC and no sign of any flying anytime soon given international restrictions....they wont be fussed, they have plenty of cash

[chimbu warrior]

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20200804/2100Z/YBBN/NGTA

They appear to have done a few flights to Tarawa, despite restrictions. Must have have some sort of an approval (and ETOPS), or are these the CASA proving flights?

[TBM-Legend]

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20200804/2100Z/YBBN/NGTA

They appear to have done a few flights to Tarawa, despite restrictions. Must have have some sort of an approval (and ETOPS), or are these the CASA proving flights?


Shhhhh, it's a secret....

[Icarus2001]

Must have have some sort of an approval (and ETOPS), or are these the CASA proving flights?

ETOPS - Are you sure about that?

Proving flights require passengers on board to simulate a normal operation.

[chimbu warrior]

I have no idea, and hence posed it as a question.

[foam]

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20200804/2100Z/YBBN/NGTA

They appear to have done a few flights to Tarawa, despite restrictions. Must have have some sort of an approval (and ETOPS), or are these the CASA proving flights?


They don't have ETOPS. You can fly BNE-TRW-BNE on 60 minutes, there are two routes, northern and southern, YBBN, YBCS, AYPY, AGGH, ANYN, NGTA, or YBBN, NWWW, NVVV, AGGH, ANYN, NGTA.

[Square Bear]

They don't have ETOPS. You can fly BNE-TRW-BNE on 60 minutes, there are two routes, northern and southern, YBBN, YBCS, AYPY, AGGH, ANYN, NGTA, or YBBN, NWWW, NVVV, AGGH, ANYN, NGTA.

Oookaaay, ......sounds like they picked the right aircraft for the task then......🤣

[Car RAMROD]

Those locations provide coverage, not the route.

[foam]

Those locations provide coverage, not the route.
Correct, and that was my point, however poorly made... :ugh:

[TBM-Legend]

Correct, and that was my point, however poorly made... :ugh:


So if you're a pilot did you pass nav for your CPL/ATPL?

[Double_Clutch]

Looks like someone found the keys today to the machine

[listria]

Air Kiribati Embraer just had its first birthday! Big celebration in Kiribati no doubt.

[Anonymousyellow]

Celebrating the failed project 🤦🏻‍♂️. What a waste of money for the people. 2 shiny planes meanwhile their citizens are still living in huts and barely any clothes

[geeup]

Celebrating the failed project 🤦🏻‍♂️. What a waste of money for the people. 2 shiny planes meanwhile their citizens are still living in huts and barely any clothes

Not really a surprise...

[Mach E Avelli]

A waste of money for sure. But whose money? China's? Or the Kiribati Provident Fund's?
At least the politicians who got them involved in this project can blame its failure on Covid19, so face saved all-round....

[Anonymousyellow]

A waste of money for sure. But whose money? China's? Or the Kiribati Provident Fund's?
At least the politicians who got them involved in this project can blame its failure on Covid19, so face saved all-round....
All China's money. However rumours are the politians involved, former CEO and deputy received incentives from Embraer for the deal.

[Gne]

No local flying for weeks. Dash 8 not flown for a year and Embraer not seen for months but plenty of office remodeling and new IT gear. Staff told delayed leave bonus payment. Experienced staff terminated but senior management rarely seen in office, Bills and leases unpaid but government keeps providing funds. Rumors of new domestic fleet but pilots not sure the aircraft can meet the task. Rumors Embraer crew no longer employed,

All very strange and maybe all rumors which are camouflaging a major and innovative restructure by the CEO and the remaining senior staff. Time will tell.

[Brakerider]

Apparently all the Ejet pilots left pionair for alliance.

[TBM-Legend]

Apparently all the Ejet pilots left pionair for alliance.


Not so...only one.

[Anonymousyellow]

No local flying for weeks. Dash 8 not flown for a year and Embraer not seen for months but plenty of office remodeling and new IT gear. Staff told delayed leave bonus payment. Experienced staff terminated but senior management rarely seen in office, Bills and leases unpaid but government keeps providing funds. Rumors of new domestic fleet but pilots not sure the aircraft can meet the task. Rumors Embraer crew no longer employed,

All very strange and maybe all rumors which are camouflaging a major and innovative restructure by the CEO and the remaining senior staff. Time will tell.
Yep, the Tecnam P2012 I believe 🤦🏻‍♂️. I guess they can do more frequent trips and spread out the pilots as it's single pilot.
All the best to the new CEO, he has a lot of cleaning up of the mess the previous guy left.

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

Apparently all the Ejet pilots left pionair for alliance.

Not so...only one.

So he was right then? :E

[Gne]

Local contact says still no domestic flights and that all Dash 8 engineering support has departed with complaints of bullying.

Saw the Solomon's Bus made a trip there 10 days ago - spares? or more goodies for the senior manager's?

[Gne]

Apparently the Solomon's flight carried some of the required spares so one of the Twotters - the leased one - was out and about on Thursday, as reported by my local contact. One must wonder what the contingency is if this aircraft has a technical issue on one of the islands in the Gilberts. Is a flying spanner on board every flight? Are there sufficient spares held at home base or is the operation running on a "when needed" supply with a long logistical arm on the premise the Embraer can be called up at short notice?. Perhaps some of the money spent on office refurb and IT upgrades could have been used for essential spares.

The local contact also reports a Board meeting on Thursday, which was not pleasant for the CEO and was followed on Friday by many (number unknown but rumoured to be well into double figures) terminations. Retribution for whistle blowing? The couple of folk whose names I heard are well experienced and qualified but on checking it seems the cruise dance instructor remains on board, excuse the pun. Surely competent management would not downsize immediately before a major equipment changes - where are those Tecnams?

"toxic" is the word being used to describe the environment in the operational side of the business. Wonder when the regulator will step in on the grounds of safety.

[smiling monkey]

So what will happen to their E-190 operations? Didn’t Pionair also acquire a legacy E-190 in addition to the Kiribati E2?

[Mach E Avelli]

ce instructor remains on board, excuse the pun. Surely competent management would not downsize immediately before a major equipment changes - where are those Tecnams?

"toxic" is the word being used to describe the environment in the operational side of the business. Wonder when the regulator will step in on the grounds of safety.

Which regulator? I may be wrong, but I think that they have their own registry and licencing. There is some connection with PASO in Vanuatu, but to what extent they regulate as opposed to advise is moot.
For domestic operations they can do fairly much as they please - and have been doing so for a very long time. International ops are another thing - they would have to use some registry with oversight capability meeting most of ICAO standards.

Of interest will be where they get fuel for those Tecnams.

[TBM-Legend]

Of interest will be where they get fuel for those Tecnams.

Tecnam P2012 Traveller can use AvGas and or MoGas in their Lyc TEO-540C1A turbo donks with a FADEC controller...

[kitchen bench]

What has happened to the King Air operation by a local entrepreneur?

[Gne]

More reports today the camping scene in Tarawa continues to have only unhappy campers. Threats and bullying to keep senior staff on essential person lists, despite terminations, "true" figures for Otter replacement performance taken to Government bypassing CEO and a couple of Board members wondering if they are being told the truth.
Anyone out there know what is really going on? Is it true there is still only one domestic aircraft in the air? Must be a crowded parking apron and hanger during the day..

[dodo whirlygig]

Sounds like the way a near neighbour airline was being managed - some have said ineptly - about 2 years ago.

Where are the three stooges nowadays?

[Icarus2001]

Is the marriage on shakey ground?

[listria]

https://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20210426/0600Z/YBBN/YWLM#flightPageActivityLog
Seems to be flying a lot in the last week, just not to Tarawa.

[Icarus2001]

The Townsville refueler claims that Pionair no longer have the E2 contract for Air Kiribati. That leaves them with a lonely E1 not on the AOC yet.

[smiling monkey]

https://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20210426/0600Z/YBBN/YWLM#flightPageActivityLog
Seems to be flying a lot in the last week, just not to Tarawa.

CASA proving flights by the looks of it.

[Gne]

My local contact has gone very , very quiet and news from Bankstown has also ceased. Can anyone else fill in the gaps? Where is the jet?

. Rumours here on the Sunny Coast that the CEO is looking for both a house and a job. Apparently he fled Tarawa with one other a couple of weeks ago and will not return.

How does that leave the local operation? Hopefully there is sufficient local talent and competency in the regulatory oversight to ensure a safe operation. Time will tell.

Before the information from locals ended there was talk of an external audit. When it is released that report will make interesting reading, to be sure.

Gne

[Brakerider]

My local contact has gone very , very quiet and news from Bankstown has also ceased. Can anyone else fill in the gaps? Where is the jet?

. Rumours here on the Sunny Coast that the CEO is looking for both a house and a job. Apparently he fled Tarawa with one other a couple of weeks ago and will not return.

How does that leave the local operation? Hopefully there is sufficient local talent and competency in the regulatory oversight to ensure a safe operation. Time will tell.

Before the information from locals ended there was talk of an external audit. When it is released that report will make interesting reading, to be sure.

Gne

the engine is buggered and no money to fix it

[coaldemon]

I had heard that the Engine Manufacturer was doing it as a warranty claim. Supposedly getting changed in Bankstown right now.

[Arthur D]

So what’s the go here?
does Pionair actually have their E190 on the AOC?
surely the Kiribati govt. must be losing patience?

[Brakerider]

It's all done and dusted. E2s back into storage and the E1 will be sold.

[bangbounceboeing]

What happened?

[smiling monkey]

It's all done and dusted. E2s back into storage and the E1 will be sold.

Sold to who? I know Cobham are expanding their E190 fleet and looking for type-rated pilots at the moment.

[Office Update]

Something is amiss in Tarawa/Kiribati..

Coral Sun Air, apparently is owned by the Jong family? and have two WW1124 Westwind jets, H4-CSA believed to be in Tarawa and not flown since Jan 2020, and the other is H4-ZYH last seen at Banda Aceh in March 2021.

The former Hevilift/Skytek B200 King Air P2-ALC, painted in Coral Sun paint scheme appears to be operating from Honiara.

I cant imagine anyone competent would be maintaining Westwinds on a remote Island Atoll.

The local airline operates Twin Otters on the H4, T3 and P2 register.

Would appear the Kiribati Aviation regulator has no idea what's going on; you would have to have serious concerns over airworthiness, crew skill and recency.

And they own or lease an Embraer; something smells like "brown envelopes" and dark and shady deals.....

[foam]

Something is amiss in Tarawa/Kiribati..

Coral Sun Air, apparently is owned by the Jong family? and have two WW1124 Westwind jets, H4-CSA believed to be in Tarawa and not flown since Jan 2020, and the other is H4-ZYH last seen at Banda Aceh in March 2021.

The former Hevilift/Skytek B200 King Air P2-ALC, painted in Coral Sun paint scheme appears to be operating from Honiara.

I cant imagine anyone competent would be maintaining Westwinds on a remote Island Atoll.
.
The Kingair is now also on the H4 register. There were some questions asked about the AOC approval process...


The local airline operates Twin Otters on the H4, T3 and P2 register.

Would appear the Kiribati Aviation regulator has no idea what's going on; you would have to have serious concerns over airworthiness, crew skill and recency.

And they own or lease an Embraer; something smells like "brown envelopes" and dark and shady deals.....

The P2 Twin Otter is leased from Skytech / Hevilift
The two H4 Twin Otters are leased from Solomon Airlines
The T3 Twin Otter (and Y12) are owned by Air Kiribati

Not sure what is happening with Pionair / the Embraer. Note brakeriders post mentions it, but is a little short on detail,

[listria]

Flew Bankstown to Sydney and vv on 1 November. Hope crew has had a nice 7 month rest!

[Anonymousyellow]

Coral Sun now operating from Honiara.

CAAK and Air Kiribati are brothers both under the government. Air Kiribati has gotten away with many issues from their brothers at CAAK. Airworthiness, crew skills and recency have always been an issue.
Embraer deal was definitely shady, they initially looked at old jets due to budget and out of nowhere 2 brand new jets signed and the CEO and his deputy resigned right after. The place has always been toxic with incompetent management. CEO and deputy previously who signed the E190s were both from the tourism department and had no idea about aviation and running an airline business.

[ghyde]

E2 returned to Wellcamp for storage today

[Anonymousyellow]

E2 returned to Wellcamp for storage today

Wow how embarrassing what a **** show. Wasted the peoples money.

[Anonymousyellow]

Copied and pasted from a Kiribati news group about the recent landing at Gold Coast

"YBCG is an airport in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

The aircraft was seen touching down within the last hour according to Queensland Planespotters.

The Embraer aircraft belongs to Air Kiribati Ltd, a company owned and run by the Government of Kiribati.

Delivered in the last quarter of 2019, it has been “looked after” by an aviation company in Australia and to date has not undertaken any commercial flights as was the intention - to provide a solution to Kiribati’s international travel needs, to connect the country with the outside world for its tourism and, last but not the least to rake in revenue for the country.

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told media reporters earlier this year that the Embraer aircraft is draining $200K from public funds every month just for the aircraft to be maintained.

Despite queries raised by the public and in parliament, the Government of Kiribati has not responded to the peoples’ concerns about the aircraft particularly on how the Taneti administration plan to revive the multimillion dollar project."

[bangbounceboeing]

What happened to the other E190 that arrived last year

[regional_flyer]

What happened to the other E190 that arrived last year

Stripped of its Pionair livery waiting for a new operator.

[Upside747]

I swung by Bankstown Airport yesterday and saw that the Air Kiribati E190-E2 is back and according to flightaware it’s been parked there since the 24th of November 2021.


It makes me wonder was the flight to Queensland just a publicity stunt?


Also the other E190 VH-SEF still has its full Pionair livery.

[Gne]

Meanwhile, out in the Pacific, domestic flights between Bonriki and Cassidy are occurring on an almost regular basis. Local contacts tell me that several are planned for this month.

It is also rumoured that in an accounting sense past players are back in a mentoring role. Guess newspapers are not selling well.

[witwiw]

domestic flights between Bonriki and Cassidy are occurring on an almost regular basis.

As a matter of interest, what aircraft type is doing those trips?

[kitchen bench]

domestic flights between Bonriki and Cassidy

Domestic - are you sure?? Last I was aware of was that to get to Christmas Island you had to catch an Air Fiji flight to Nadi and then an onwards connection with the same carrier to Christmas Is. No longer domestic but international unless there is a direct operation between the two.

Certainly nothing direct (domestic) I could find in their schedule on their website. Happy to be corrected :-)

[Gne]

Local contact informs that the operation was undertaken using the Solomon's 320. Flightaware confirms the advice and the local contact advised that at least three more are planned for later this month to move school kids.

Unconfirmed report that the arrangement has very little to do with AKL and will be repeated in coming months. Pity about the loss of economic benefit for Fiji at the cost to Kiribati but this is a good example of the role of the big brother in the Pacific. .

I thought the Embraer was purchased for this domestic activity but it seems the government was misled . Can anyone help with the maths? What is 10% of the Embraer purchase price divided by three?

Gne

[listria]

According to the Air Kiribati Facebook page they are arranging a scheduled (not chartered) service Brisbane to Tarawa (freight only) and vice versa (passengers and freight) on 12 March. Maybe the Embraer is entering service at last?

[Gne]

This is a PFP flight subsidized to the Australian government. The flight will be operated by IE, as were previous flights of this nature, which are arranged by local businesses.

Looks like some of the headshed at AKL are trying to look relevant on the international scene.

Gne.

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

Pionair currently doing CASA proving flights out of BNE Domestic with E190-E2 still in Air Kiribati livery.

[SilverSleuth]

I heard the last eJet was sold to alliance? Wasn’t it in Townsville this week?

[markis10]

I heard the last eJet was sold to alliance? Wasn’t it in Townsville this week?

SEF went to TSV , the E2 IKJ is at BNE

[listria]

Are you suggesting that Air Kiribati has sold this plane?

[Double_Clutch]

A simple check on the register may help answer your question

[TBM-Legend]

A simple check on the register may help answer your question


It’s not sold, who makes up this stuff?

[IAW]

It’s not sold, who makes up this stuff?

Y'all are just conflating two different ejets.

VH-SEF was sold to alliance.

The E2 was not.

[listria]

Thanks y'all... hopefully it will start revenue service to Kiribati soon

[listria]

Just for anyone interested.... Kiribati government have announced return to normal international services in and outbound from 1 August. 3 day quarantine, presumably so they can accommodate planeloads effectively. No news on carrier, but Air Solomons are increasing their frequency of TRW-BNE flights.
Embraer ready yet?

[listria]

Interestingly, Pionair have revamped their website and no longer refer to the Air Kiribati Embraer. Instead, they say it's available to charter as their plane. Plane has also disappeared from the Air Kiribati website....

[Icarus2001]

Interestingly, Pionair have revamped their website and their C & T department.

[Gne]

Whether the Embraer is available for domestic operations or not it seems the safety oversight regulator has closed Cassidy due to safety concerns. Not too long ago the World Bank spent a couple of million of the folding stuff to improve safety at the airport but local contacts tell me the systems, particularly the lights were never commissioned. The question is "Why has the regulator waited so long to take action and what role has the regulator had in working towards remedies for whatever the safety deficiencies are? "

The Kanton refueler tells me that the regulator took no direct interest in the commissioning at the conclusion of the project in 2019.

The Bonriki refueler has advised the Head of the regulatory body left on leave immediately after closing Cassidy and did not delegate full responsibility to his temporary replacement so that when Cabinet asked what is occurring and asked for an exemption to be granted to allow Cassidy to remain open to allow hundreds of school kids to return to Kiritimati (Christmas) for Christmas the temp OIC was left in the lurch.

Strange goings on and high time ICAO stepped in to audit this highly dysfunctional body which does little to promote or improve safety. in the region.


Gne

[Office Update]

Cassidy is NOT closed and never has been.

Data Current as of: Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:57:00 GMT PLCH CHRISTMAS ISLAND [Back to Top] (https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/queryRetrievalMapAction.do#top)

A1325/22 - JET A1 FUEL NOT AVBL. 04 DEC 00:00 2022 UNTIL 04 MAR 23:59 2023. CREATED: 01
DEC 04:40 2022

A1247/22 - NDB IDENT 'XI' FREQ 334KHZ RANGE DEGRADED TO 50NM. 10 NOV 23:44 2022 UNTIL
11 FEB 23:59 2023. CREATED: 10 NOV 23:44 2022

A1246/22 - AD OPERATIONAL BUT CTN ADZ DUE RWY LGTS U/S. 10 NOV 23:42 2022 UNTIL 11 FEB
23:59 2023. CREATED: 10 NOV 23:42 2022

A1138/22 - AVGAS AT KIRITIMATI ISLAND UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 25 OCT 23:09 2022
UNTIL 26 JAN 23:59 2023. CREATED: 25 OCT 23:09 2022

[foam]

Cassidy is NOT closed and never has been.

Data Current as of: Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:57:00 GMT PLCH CHRISTMAS ISLAND [Back to Top] (https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/queryRetrievalMapAction.do#top)

A1325/22 - JET A1 FUEL NOT AVBL. 04 DEC 00:00 2022 UNTIL 04 MAR 23:59 2023. CREATED: 01
DEC 04:40 2022

Might as well be closed... with no fuel there, who could possibly use it?

Regarding GNE's comments about the Embraer being available (or not) for "domestic" flights... even if it was (which it isn't), how can you do PLCH-anywhere on only 60mins EDTO?

[Anonymousyellow]

Would anyone have any updated gossip on the Air Kiribati/Pionair situation? Are they dry leasing the plane or lease "in debt" to Pionair?

[Zinfandel]

Watch this space

[Chocks Away]

The E2 is tucked away nearly out of view in Brisneyland on the old International taxiways (southern end).
It usually has one of their quadra-puffs parked next to it.

[Zinfandel]

The E2 is tucked away nearly out of view in Brisneyland on the old International taxiways (southern end).
It usually has one of their quadra-puffs parked next to it.

Not anymore, aircraft is in revenue service and flew into AYQ today from MEL.

[Winged Azalea]

Not anymore, aircraft is in revenue service and flew into AYQ today from MEL.
FlightAware says that was a JetStar A320...

[regional_flyer]

FlightAware says that was a JetStar A320...

Jetstar overnighted at AYQ and then continued to CNS?

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ

[Zinfandel]

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20230214/0000Z/YBBN/YMML

https://flightaware.com/live/flight/VHIKJ/history/20230214/2200Z/YMML/YAYE

[Winged Azalea]

You're right and I was wrong. A friend sent me the proper link about an hour after I posted. Sorry.

[apacau]

This looks like one of the tour group charter flights that regularly ply that route - usually operated by Alliance F70s.

[Icarus2001]

No sudden rush of information I see. How many Ejets do they have now?

[Bozza72]

Anymore updates on this E2 ? I see it on lease to ANZ

[Zinfandel]

Anymore updates on this E2 ? I see it on lease to ANZ

Incorrect, currently operating charter flights in NZ for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

[Icarus2001]

What happened to the post about the Perth jobs advertised?

https://www.seek.com.au/job/68655495?type=standout#sol=1366ccdd6c0f2cf225dd093da35c66d36 9ab4cd0

[Aequitatis]

Another E2 pilot is about to jump ship, so that leaves them with 3 BNE based drivers on the fleet. Looks like a second E2 for PER if they are looking for crew.