A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by a Tongan delegation led by the new Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. ‘Akosita Lavulavu and a Chinese aircraft manufacturer to enable the MA60 aircraft that has been grounded in Tonga since 2018, to come back into operation within the next six months.
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Results for MA60 aircraft
Monday 16 December 2019
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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Wednesday 10 August 2016
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s recent certification of the MA60 aircraft for its domestic air service did not involve the Pacific Aviation Safety Office or New Zealand Authorities, according to New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Hon. Murray McCully today.
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Wednesday 4 March 2015
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s domestic MA60 aircraft gifted from China has been leased by the Government of Tonga to an unnamed group including MP Samiu Vaipulu, although nothing has been confirmed as to when it will start operation as an airline.
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Saturday 8 March 2014
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A review of the safety of Tonga's Transport Sector, to be led by the World Bank and supported by the New Zealand government, could end a stand-off between the two countries over the safety of a Chinese MA60 aircraft that has been operating in Tonga since August last year.
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Monday 3 February 2014
1 comment
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga is seeking an estimated $56 million for reconstructing homes in Ha‘apai after Cyclone Ian, Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu said on Friday at a press conference, held jointly with the visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister. Hon. Murray McCully said there was an enormous challenge ahead for Tonga’s government and the figures given by the Deputy Prime Minister were “frightening”.
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Monday 11 November 2013
3 comments
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Tonga government's refusal to bring an international aviation authority to certify the MA60 aircraft gifted by China, has strained Tonga’s relationship with New Zealand during the past three months.
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Friday 27 September 2013
1 comment
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The 15 year diplomatic relationship between the People's Republic of China and Tonga had resulted in fruitful cooperation and development, which included the gift of an MA60 aircraft to Tonga, the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Wang Donghua said last night, September 26.
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Thursday 22 August 2013
1 comment
USA
In my view, it is unfortunate that the Deputy PM Mr. Samiu Vaipulu lashed out strongly at the NZ government.... In my view, these undiplomatic threatening tones are unnecessary and unproductive. Remember Tongan Government, there is an old saying, "don't bite the hand that feeds you". – Meteliko Tuaileva.
Monday 12 August 2013
2 comments
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Wellington, New Zealand
The New Zealand Government stepped up its travel advisory for visitors to Tonga, as the MA-60 aircraft, operated by REAL Tonga started commercial passenger flights to Vava‘u on Saturday August 10.
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Wednesday 10 July 2013
3 comments
Auckland, New Zealand
I am surprised by the reaction from within Tonga and abroad regarding the MA60 and its "safety" record. It seems to be largely scaremongering and overstated comments by an under-informed public. While I agree there are better suited aircraft for Tonga ... I don't personally think the MA60 deserves its bad rap, and everyone needs to calm down. What people really need to worry about is not the aircraft but crew competency and airport safety. - Peter White
Tuesday 9 July 2013
1 comment
Australia
I have just googled the so called “safe” plane the Deputy Prime Minister has referred to and have found an interesting history of accidents, which I have cut and pasted from Wikipedia. What concerns me the most is the recent record from 2009 to well, last month – two accidents in one day. - Concerned Tongan.
Tuesday 9 July 2013
7 comments
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The New Zealand government has suspended its promised multi-million dollar aid to develop tourism in Tonga, over safety concerns around the new Chinese-made MA60 aircraft that the Tonga government plans to use for the domestic inter-island service.
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Tuesday 28 May 2013
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A M-60 aircraft gifted to Tonga from China is expected to arrive in early July. The aircraft owned by the Tongan Government will be operated by Real Tonga Airline under a dry-lease arrangement, the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu said today.
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Tuesday 12 March 2013
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Real Tonga's 17-seater aircraft arrived at Fua'amotu Domestic Airport from Vanuatu on March 11, after being delayed for a week. The aircraft began operation this afternoon with flights to Vava'u.
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