MA60 aircraft

The national airline’s CEO Tevita Palu has confirmed today his company had received no help from the government but the aircraft resumed operations yesterday and arrived in Vava’u on Tuesday afternoon.

Palu told Kaniva News he had asked the government for help, but nothing had happened.

We reported previously the airline needed $TP400,000 to prepare the aircraft for services.

The MA60 was meant to resume services this month, but remains grounded.

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.