Talofa Airways

Talofa Airways to resume direct flights to Vava’u

Samoa Observer reports that the direct flights will be from Samoa to Vava'u in Tonga, with the twice weekly flights (Tuesdays and Fridays) from Tonga to Pago Pago in American Samoa, and from Tonga to Faleolo International Airport.

The plans to re-commence direct flights to Tonga were revealed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Talofa Airways, Toleafoa Captain Jeffrey Hunter.

Talofa Airways resumes flights after grounding

A statement from the Apia-based airline says scheduled flights to and from American Samoa will commence on Monday Samoa time and Sunday in American Samoa.

Talofa Airways was grounded by the Samoa Civil Aviation Authority following an incident on April 24 with its Turbo Commando aircraft.

The flight from Fagalii to Pago Pago was diverted to Faleolo after the pilot noticed an engine issue.

The brakes overheated and burned after the pilot worked to slow down the engine on landing, according to the airline's CEO Toleafoa Jeffrey Hunter.

Direct Pago-Tonga flights welcomed

For the local Tongan community, the twice weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, is a much less burden — especially on the financial side — on having to travel via Samoa and Fiji to get to Tonga.

Using its nine-seater passenger aircraft, Talofa Airways launched Sunday morning its inaugural direct-flight from Pago Pago International Airport to Tonga’s capital of Nuku’alofa.

Talofa flights to Tonga scheduled for this month

The fights will operate on Mondays and Friday from Fagali'i Airport to Tongatapu.

The flights from Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa will operate on Sundays and Thursdays local time.

RNZi reports the flights come less than a year since Talofa started operations.

In a statement the airline's CEO Toleafoa Jeffrey Hunter said Talofa Airways was now ready to provide the much needed direct air services between Tonga and the two Samoas.

He said it was his hope to expand the service to Niue, Wallis & Futuna and other neighbouring islands.