Samoa Airways eyes second plane

Samoa Airways looks likely to have a second plane in operation by the end of the year.

Speaking to KHJ News’ Apia, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the airline cannot continue to operate with just one plane, “we need to look at the larger scale of economy to survive.”

He commented there are routes that the airline needs to look at and it cannot do this with one aircraft.

“We just had a group from Brisbane Airport asking for a direct flight in to Brisbane,” he said.

When asked about the agreement with Fiji Airways the PM said they are continuing with the code sharing arrangement with the airline but there will be more.

He revealed that Fiji Airways officials will be in the country this week to discuss further aspects of the agreement.

He wouldnt say if the talks would include the extra plane he was speaking of.

Samoa Airways recently took out a ST$12 million (US$4.6 million) loan from the Unit Trust of Samoa, a government entity that invests funds from the public, for operational activities.

Tuilaepa reiterated that the loaned funds are safe as they are government guaranteed.

SOURCE: TALANEI NEWS/PACNEWS