Samoa Airways Touchdown At Faleolo Airport

It was a moment of truth for Icelandair’s Vice President Halldor Daddi Halldorsson as the Samoa Airways 737-800 Boeing touchdown at Faleolo Airport Saturday.
For Vice President Halldor the delivery of the aircraft on a wet lease to Samoa vindicates his decision made three years ago to approach government for a partnership after a courtesy call to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.
And three long years of regular 48 hour flights between Iceland and Samoa as talks between the two parties continued has paid off with the arrival the Boeing 737 which will hopefully be the beginning of a long mutual and beneficial partnership between the two parties.
Icelandair was given less than five months to deliver and it did Saturday with flying Samoa Airway colours to the letter.
Icelandair Group is not new to the region.
It has a successful partnership with Air Niugini which has proven to be catalyst for Papua New Guinea’s international connections and for that country’s booming tourism industry. And Icelandair currently leases five Boeing aircrafts to Air Niugini since their partnership started in 2007.
And Prime Minister Tuilaepa has always keep the doors open for potential and viable partnership to help Samoa’s return to commercial flights with one goal, affordable airfares for Samoans and more seats for tourists.
“The primary target is for our national carrier to be resurrected properly not only as a profit making entity but most importantly to provide affordable airfares for our people and our tourists,” the Prime Minister is quoted constantly in his regular press conferences.
“I am mindful of the challenges and obstacles and government is looking at all options to realize its targeted mission.
“A reliable, consistent, affordable air fares and cost effective air services whilst exceeding our stakeholders’ expectation is paramount to government.”
Meanwhile, now the work begins for Polynesian Airlines to hit the ground running with the delivery of her first Boeing 737 to jump start Samoa Airways, the new rebranded national carrier’s return to international services.
And Polynesian Airlines Board Chairman Feesago Siaosi Fepuleai is mindful of the challenges that lie ahead for the Samoa Airways.
“In a matter of five months after government decided for Samoa to own her own airline, we have delivered as expected,” said Feesago. “It is a huge ask but the arrival of the Samoa Airways first aircraft today speaks volumes of what we can accomplish and Polynesian Airlines will power to achieve.”
“Samoa Airways is funded entirely from Polynesian Airlines coffers and it is not cheap. Nonetheless, we are committed to our cause and we are determined for Samoa Airways to be successful for the sake our country, our people and our Samoan pride.”
Simply put the fate of Samoa Airways is in the hands of Polynesian Airlines.
Leased to Polynesian Airlines on a temporary wet lease, Feesago says that 20 air hostess have been selected and undergoing training for Samoa Airways to resort to a dry lease in 6 months.
On hand to welcome the arrival of the aircraft, Airlines Minister Lautafi Fio Lautafi Purcell commended Polynesian Airlines Board, management and staff for their diligence.

He says that Samoa Airways will be taking the slow and sure route to ensure her sustainability. And with enough resources, more aircrafts will be added to the fleet to cater for Samoa Airways to expand to other destinations.
The official christening of the aircraft is scheduled today with her maiden voyage to Auckland Tuesday morning.
 
(Source: by Government Secretariat published in Samoa Planet 13 November 2017)