By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

Government appears to be warming to the idea of reviving Polynesian Airlines medium haul routes.

Airline minister and chairman Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo and airline chief executive Seiuli Alvin in Tuala were recently in China looking at possibly acquiring two prop jets.

“The ultimate goal is to use Faleolo and Fagali’i airports as a transfer point to get passengers to their intended destination,�? said Fonotoe.

“It’s part of a hub-and-spoke model, for travelers moving between airports not served by direct flights change planes en route to their destinations.�?

“And the next phase is to secure two more airplanes for the regional networking operations.�?

A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect has been signed already by government with the Chinese based AVIC-International Aero-Development Corporation.

“The aircrafts include one Y12E aircrafts which is identical to the Twin Otter,�? said Fonotoe.

“That plane is ideal for inter-island services to Pago Pago and our Savai’i domestic route.

“The second model is the Y12F airplane.  That aircraft will be designated for network flights between Samoa, Niue, Tonga and other Pacific islands.

“The Y12F model is pressurized and can travel at higher altitudes.

“It has the range for longer flights complimented with a seating capacity for 20 people.

“It also has a restroom.

“The regional operations plan is one of the options under consideration.�?

The Deputy Prime Minister accompanied by Polynesian Airline’s CEO Seiuli Tuala and Civil Aviation Director Nanai Junior Saaga.

DOMESTIC SERVICE

In other airline news, Fonotoe said that Polynesian Airlines will also restart its domestic services to Savaii which had aborted for some years now.

“So, the board has decided to restart domestic services to Savaii but only during peak seasons and when demands warrant flights between Savaii and Upolu.

“For example, Polynesian Airlines will have flights during public holidays such as Easter, Christmas and New Year.�?

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