The importation of aircrafts and aircraft parts to Tonga will be exempted from excise tariff, Tonga's government Information Unit announced this afternoon.

An Order-In-Council for the exemption of aircrafts and aircraft parts from tariff is in support of the development of the domestic air travel and the tourism industry.

Tonga adopted a two-airline policy for its domestic air service with the purpose of encouraging competition. The policy however has not been operating according to plan.

The domestic airline service has been struggling since the November 16 2006 riot, when the Peau Vava'u Airways' office was gutted and the airline has ceased operation.

Airline Tonga became the sole domestic operator, until February this year when the Minister of Transport, Hon. Paul Karalus, announced that Air Chatham would start operating in April as the second airline for the domestic air service.