By Katalina Siasau
Lulutai Airlines has chartered a Saab 340 aircraft from Air Chathams, including a crew at a fixed price, to operate 12 flights a week between Tongatapu and Vava’u.
The Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala, said this wet lease is intended to clear flight backlogs and "boost public confidence" in the route over the next three months, he told a media briefing on Friday.
The Saab will operate two flights daily from Tongatapu to Vava'u and back, offering 27-28 seats.
Y12 aircraft
Meanwhile, the license of the Y12 aircraft has been revoked.
Following a review by the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO), "it was discovered that necessary maintenance on the Y12 aircraft had not been performed, leading the Civil Aviation Authority to revoke its license," he said.
Minister Piukala mentioned that engineers were preparing the reports needed to demonstrate airworthiness for the aircraft, to be ready to fly this week.
Additionally, the Minister said the Y12 is expected to serve the Niuas, while the Twin Otter will continue to serve Ha’apai and ‘Eua.
The Lulutai's other Saab 340 aircraft is still grounded, and under investigation following its accident in December, 2023, at Fua'amotu Domestic Airport.
The Minister for Public Enterprises noted that auditor reports for Lulutai Airlines for 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 had not been submitted, which "is affecting decision-making," he said.
The reason for the delay in submitting these reports is currently under investigation.
