Government of the Kingdom of Tonga

Policy on Domestic Operations


Preamble:
Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga recognising the importance of a sustained safe and secure domestic air transport system as a catalyst and essential service for the socio economic development of the peoples of the Kingdom of Tonga; and

Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga realising the limited financial and human resources with appropriate technical capabilities in aviation and the limited market size to sustain economic operations based on free market forces;

Therefore have approved that only one operator will be licensed for the provision of scheduled air transport services within the Kingdom.

Policy:

1. The Ministry of Civil Aviation shall be responsible for the issuance of safety and economic approval for all air transport operations within the Kingdom;

2. Safety and Security Conventions and associated legislation shall be paramount in the consideration and assessment of applications for domestic operations;

3. That for a period of 24 months from the date of effect of this policy only one operator will be approved to provide scheduled domestic air services within the Kingdom;

4. That selection of the single operator will be based upon a competitive, transparent and even handed manner based upon the criteria detailed in schedule 1 to this policy; and

5. That short term non-scheduled charter operations will be considered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation based upon the needs of the market, due to unforeseen traffic demands and the inability of the approved scheduled operator, providing the service.

by Approval of Privy Council

30th July, 2004