Tonga’s new Y-12 aircraft, gifted by the Chinese Government, was handed over to King Tupou VI this morning Wednesday, 6 August at Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Huang Huaguang said as Tonga’s trustworthy friend and important partner, the Chinese Government would fully support the goal set by the Tongan Government to develop the areas of civil aviation and tourism.

He said the Chinese Government is also ready to provide continuous assistance to further enhance the self-development capacity of Tonga in civil aviation and tourism.

"China highly values the cooperation with Tonga and cherishes the friendship between the two countries, which has deepened and expanded in recent years," he said.

Mr Zhang Guangjian, the Executive Vice-President of AVIC International Holding Corporation said the Chinese Government had initially granted the MA60 aircraft to the Tongan Government on July 6, 2013.

He said the MA60 had operated for over 700 hours and transported more than 18,000 passengers to date.

“The Y12 aircraft will operate with the MA60 for Tonga’s people, tourism and even to contribute to the transportation of the South Pacific. We will work with Real Tonga closely and target for that.”

Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu thanked the Chinese Government for gifting the aircraft.

He said the new Y-12 aircraft would be put into operation immediately and use to improve the domestic route service.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u flew on the 17-seater aircraft to Niuatoputapu to open the Agriculture Show this afternoon.