The Civil Aviation Authority of Kiribati is established since February 2015 with limited ability in undertaking its roles and responsibilities to the fullness. At the time the office was managed by the Director, one Personnel Licensing Officer and Aerodrome Inspector. The number of staff was insufficient to meet its obligations under the ICAO SARPs (standard and recommended practices). However, as years go by the office capacity and capability is upgraded through the recruitment of more key personnel to fill in critical positions to support an effective regulatory service. In 2018, the office managed to employ additional personnel to fill in more positions which are necessary to the enhancement of regulatory service.
The CAAK is mandated under the Civil Aviation Act 2019 to carry out its regulatory functions to ensure safety and security of air transportation is never compromised. This is to govern and regulate civil aviation activities taking place in Kiribati. The regulatory function includes overseeing aircraft airworthiness, the licensing of pilots, air traffic services, cargo handlers, security services, maintenance engineers, licensing of airports, and other aviation standards. The ultimate goal of this regulatory service is aviation safety through regulation and oversight.
The CAAK is obliged to regulate the market for air transport and general aviation and to oversee and inspect the standards and quality of civil aviation transport service; uphold the rights and interests of air travel consumers; conduct licensing management of air transport and general aviation activities. If any service provider is found not complying with the requirements it will be penalised in accordance with the offence regulations and rules.
This website is established to provide all necessary information to the public regarding aviation activities in Kiribati. The regulations and legislations are also provided for ease of access by the public so they are well informed of the requirements to avoid unnecessary conflicts of interest and infringement due to limited access to information.