High Court to Hear $3M Fiji Airways Charter Claim in April

The Civil High Court in Suva has scheduled a trial date of April 9, 2026, to hear applications related to over $3 million allegedly owed to Fiji Airways. The case centers on claims that a charter flight, which transported Fijian pilgrims to Israel on a religious tour in 2023, failed to pay the airfare.

The defendants in the case include WABS Pacific Pte Limited and Kane Holdings Pte Limited director Michael Martin Mausio, two trustees of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and Christian Mission Fellowship International senior pastor Manasa Kolivuso.

Four applications are before the High Court:

• Summary Judgment: Fiji Airways seeks a ruling that the charter flight organizers have no reasonable defense and requests the court to order payment of $3,163,013.70, plus interest and costs.
• Strike-Out Application: Two International Christian Embassy Jerusalem trustees seek to be removed from the proceedings, claiming they were not affiliated with the charter flight.
• Striking Out of the Writ: Fiji Airways opposes the third defendant's application to strike out the writ.
• Joinder Application: Filed by Mr. Kolivuso's legal team, seeking to include the Government in the proceedings.

Acting Master Liyanage Wickramasekera informed lawyer Pita Niubalavu that the joinder application is set for ruling on February 18 and will not affect the trial process at this stage.

All parties are scheduled to reappear in court on February 18 for the joinder application before the matter proceeds to trial.

This case underscores the complexities involved in contractual agreements and the legal challenges that can arise when disputes occur over substantial financial transactions. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for contractual enforcement and the aviation industry in Fiji.

As the trial date approaches, both the plaintiffs and defendants are expected to prepare extensively to present their cases, and the legal community will be closely monitoring the proceedings.