From the House by Pesi Fonua.

The name of Tonga's new domestic airline will be “Lulutai”, the Prime Minister Hon. Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, told parliament today.

The Prime Minister had just returned from the Palace Office before he made the announcement in the House after lunch today.

His comment was made during the continuing debate on the budget statement. The Minister of Finance has announced there will be a deficiti budget for the coming year.

No further details were forthcoming about the new airline to be set up by the Government.

Real Tonga

Tonga's privately owned domestic airline Real Tonga, which was branching out into Pacific islands international services, has been struggling with the CoViD-19 restrictions. Its leased domestic aircraft was grounded this month after a bird strike in Vava'u.

There were problems also with two planes Real Tonga initially leased from government, the Y-12 and MA60, that were gifted to Tonga from the Chinese Government. CEO Tevita Palu said the MA60 lease was terminated and the Y-12 lease expired and had not been renewed. The government-owned planes were grounded with parts issues.

In an interview with Matangi Tonga in May, Tevita said that instead of offering support to Real Tonga at this time, the government had asked if they could set up their new airline's office in his hangar at Fua'amotu Airport.

See also: Lack of government support adds to Real Tonga's woes [2]