Tonga’s controversial MA60 aircraft will be available for lease within a month, says Finance and National Planning, Dr. 'Aisake Valu Eke.
Radio Tonga News reports that Civil Aviation is in discussion with two companies that are interested in leasing the aircraft.
One of the interested party is Tonga Airways, previously known as Royal Tongan Airlines.
According to the Acting CEO of Infrastructure, Pesalili Tuiano, Tonga Airways will need to submit documents to show the change before the airline submits its interest for the MA60.
It’s believed there is a misunderstanding between senior officials on the establishment of the new airline.
The MA60 aircraft was gifted to Tonga from the People's Republic of China.
Meanwhile, the national air carrier, Real Tonga and Fiji Airways are sharing seats for the direct flight to Vava'u because the grounding of the MA60 plane.
Real Tonga General Manager, Tevita Palu said the sharing arrangement will continue until October.
General Manager of Fiji Airways in Tonga, Lovely Maka says an ATR72 seater plane is currently being used for the Vava’u direct flight.
Both airlines are shares 34 seats each for the Tongatapu to Vava'u route and 25 seats for the return leg.
Fiji Airways says the arrangement can be renewed after October.
The Tongan Government is working on securing a direct flight from Vava'u to Fiji.