The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed USD2.9m in civil penalties against Asia Pacific Airlines (APA) over alleged regulatory issues in 2022, including the use of unqualified pilots, flights without proper authorization, equipment issues, and failure to document engine monitoring and safety assessments.
APA claims to have resolved these issues over 11 months ago and expressed confidence in resolving the matter swiftly. The airline emphasises its essential cargo service to isolated Pacific islands, highlighting its operational safety record over 25 years.
FAA’s proposed fines against APA include USD2.4m for using unqualified pilots, USD250,000 for operating flights without proper authorisation, USD150,000 for conducting flights with equipment issues, USD64,000 for failure to document engine monitoring, and USD8,000 for safety risk management violations.
Last year, APA faced a three-month grounding after the FAA revoked its operating authority but resumed operations in May 2023. The airline operates a fleet of four B757 aircraft and is a subsidiary of Tan Holdings Corporation with operations across the Southwest Pacific region.
