Chathams Pacific restores DC3 domestic service [1]
Friday, September 3, 2010 - 15:30. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 17:14.
Copyright © www.matangitonga.to [2]
The Chatham Pacific Airlines introduced a 28-seater DC3 aircraft to its fleet of aircraft servicing Tonga's domestic air services on Monday, August 30, 2010.
Greg Emeny, the owner of the airline, who pilots the DC3, said that with the new aircraft they had a special experience to offer. He believes that the DC3 has a niche market for tourists and flying low between Tongatapu and Ha'apai over volcanic and coral islands was an attraction.
Tonga is the only Pacific island country, besides New Zealand and Australia to use a DC3 aircraft for its domestic air services.
The DC3 was originally brought to Tonga by the Air Vava'u but since it ceased operation a few years ago the aircraft had been closed up in a hangar at the Fua'amotu Airport.
The Chatham Pacific took over the ownership of the aircraft and Greg said that fit took engineers from New Zealand and their counterparts in Tonga fourteen weeks to get the aircraft ready to fly.
"All the work was done locally," said Greg with pride at the end of test flights, a few days before the launching of the service on Monday August 30.
To further develop the popularity of the DC3 for flying over the islands, Greg said they would like to apply to the Aviation Authority for a special permit to fly low over certain areas.
The DC3 could land in Ha'apai, Vava'u, and the two Niuas, Chatham Pacific will use the aircraft on a daily service between Tongatapu and Ha'apai. It takes 45 minutes from Tongatapu to Ha'apai, whereas it would take one hour and 30 minutes to Vava'u.
The DC3 could carry three tonnes of cargo. Copyright © www.matangitonga.to [2]