A joint venture between Polynesian Airlines and the Peau Vava'u Airways, to provide a connecting service between Tonga and Samoa, through Vava'u, is in the pipeline.

Molisoni 'Otukolo, the Tongan manager of Samoa's national airline, Polynesian Airlines, said that they are looking at providing a Polynesian Dash 8 36-seater aircraft to connect the two Samoas to Vava'u, twice a week, and then from Vava'u to Tongatapu return. The Dash 8 will be using the Peau Vava'u exclusive Tongan domestic flying right.

Moli said last week that Polynesian Airlines management were in town and they expected to finalise their plans by this week.

At the moment the Peau Vava'u is using two DC3 aircraft for its domestic air service, but there has been a public demand for a more modern aircraft.

Molisoni said that November 4 has been set for the beginning of the new air service but meanwhile safety and security requirements for the Dash 8 and the Lupepau'u International Airport would be carried out.

Civil Aviation

Viliami Ma...’ake, Director of Civil Aviation said that Lupepau...’u airport was confirmed to have met the International standard assessment on Tuesday October 19 by two inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration of USFAA, after a week of assessment. He said that an x-ray machine was required to be installed at the Lupepau'u Airport, and one was shipped up to Vava'u earlier this month.

With regards to basic airline safety requirements Viliami did not think that it was going to be an issue because Polynesian Airlines currently complies under the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, which Tonga follows too.