Start-Ups Samoa Airways commences operations

On board of the aircraft was the Minister of Samoa Airways Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, who later underlined the importance of the new route: "This is another opportunity for our people to allow our business to grow. Auckland is a second Samoa - and more and more Samoans are living in Auckland as their second home or their first home." Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood added: "Connecting Samoa and Auckland, in particular, means a lot for our neighbors in the community and staff"

The airline has been rebranded from the state-owned Polynesian Airlines. Earlier this month, Samoa Airways received its first Boeing 737-800. The aircraft is wet-lease from Italy´s Neos. The aircraft will run Apia Faleolo – Auckland 6 times per week and Apia Faleolo – Sydney 2x weekly. Furthermore, Samoa Airways operates regional services from Fago Fago to Apia Fagali´I, Fitiuta and Ofu. These flights are being operated with three DHC-6-300 aircraft, previously owned by Polynesian Airlines.