PM warns new airline about debt

SAMOA – Samoa’s prime minister has warned the new airline Talofa Airways to be wary of piling up debt – by being lenient with fares for church ministers and MPs.

At the airline’s launch this week Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi suggested Talofa could learn from the mistakes of Polynesian Airlines.

He revealed some of the main reasons for past debt piled up by that airline including factors like employing 500 people to work for only one jet aircraft.

Tuila’epa also warned Talofa Airways not to consider church fundraising trips or church ministers asking for airfares to be paid later, saying they are not trustworthy when it comes to money.

He said some former MPs who had led fundraising trips overseas under the same method had also contributed to the country’s previous airline debts.

The prime minister has challenged the management of Talofa Airways to see if they could beat Polynesian Airlines’ profitable inter-island service.

The airline begins services next Tuesday and will start off with six daily flights.

Talofa Airways will operate two nine seater Twin Commander aircraft and also hopes to fly into Tonga later this year.

The two 690B Twin Commander aircrafts have pressurized cabins, air-conditioned, individual passenger seats and can fly higher altitudes.

Founded by a former CEO of Polynesian Airlines Taua Fatu Tielu and former Polynesia Airlines former Flight Operations Manager Toleafoa Jeffery Hunter and his wife Maria Westerlund-Hunter, the privately-owned Talofa Airways offers a fast service with its two smart 690B Twin Commander aircraft targeting business travellers needing a much shorter flying time.

In launching the airline, PM Tuilaepa congratulated the business partners for believing in their vision and their perseverance.

“I am confident that improved access will enhance opportunities tourists that wish to experience the two Samoa – and for people to celebrate marked days in their lives twice whether it be a birthday or a wedding or divorce anniversary.”

The international dateline runs between the two Samoas.

The Prime Minister labelled the airlines founders as three brave Samoans.

American Samoan officials have welcomed the new airline at a separate launch in Pago Pago.

Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga said while it was a commercial venture, it was also a public service and one that is needed by American Samoa and Samoa.

He urged the owners to operate their airline according to family values and to treat each individual with kindness and respect.

- RNZI/Talamua