A Kodiak 100 seaplane owned by Setouchi Holdings Inc., demonstrated flights capable of both land and sea landings in Vava’u and the two Niuas last week.

The Governor of Vava'u and Niuas, Lord Fulivai contacted and invited Setouchi Holdings Inc., a Japanese seaplane company to provide the demonstration, but its future operation in Tonga has yet to be determined.

Ngahauoma Fakatoukatea said the plane landed in Neiafu on 11 July with Dr Go Okazaki, Executive Managing Director of Setouchi Holdings Inc., Tenshin Yazawa, Director of Pacific International Ltd (local branch), and pilot John Goulet.

On 12 July, the plane took Lord Fulivai and others to Niuatoputapu and scouted possible landing areas, before landing on the airstrip. They were able to attend the Niuatoputapu Royal Agricultural Show. Dr Okazaki and Mr Yazawa also met HM King Tupou VI.

The pilot said the protected waters adjacent to Falehau Wharf in Niuatoputapu are a perfect area for seaplane landing and takeoff.

He said returning from Niuatoputapu, the seaplane carried out two demonstration landings and take off at the Port of Refuge bay, off Neiafu.

On 13 July, the seaplane landed at Vai Lahi in Niuafo’ou, demonstrating its ability before taking off again and landing on the airstrip.

"HM King Tupou VI suggested to Lord Fulivai and his guests that not only would the Kodiak 100 be beneficial for the Niuas but it would benefit the outer island areas of Ha’apai that do not have access to airstrips."

Along with economic benefits, such an aircraft could pick up people who need immediate medical treatment, such as those who are injured, sick or going into labor to give birth, he said.

Operation

Ngahauoma said at this stage, the official dealings with Setouchi Holdings have only involved the demonstration flights last week. 

"While there are many options for the seaplane, and contracting or creating a local aviation business for its management, such dealings have not yet been finalized, so we cannot say for sure as to when the plane will be flying, but we are aiming to have it operational before July next year."

He said its business focus would most likely be flights and chartering to the Niuas and Ha'apai and in tourism which will be beneficial to the local economy like whale watching as well as transportation, outer Island development, flight education and environmental study.

He said Lord Fulivai’s primary focus is caring for the Niuas, Niuafo’ou in particular because its airstrip is frequently flooded by rain. The Kodiak 100 is capable of providing emergency transport of people and supplies to and from the Niua’s if their grass airstrips are not accessible, he said.

The seaplane is expected to return to Auckland via Tongatapu, this weekend.