Samoa visitor arrivals returning to pre-pandemic levels
Visitors to Samoa’s shores in the first quarter of 2023 totaled over 30,000 with data released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) showing arrivals beginning to get to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Marshalls air cargo crisis: search is on for alternative
The Marshall Islands government has been forced into making alternative air delivery options for everything from mail and medicines to fresh tuna and equipment for essential public services due to the mounting air cargo
Tonga MPs debate on domestic airline licensing
A heated discussion between members of Tongan parliament over a request of endorsement from REALTonga Airlines went nowhere on Monday this week. The discussion began when Tongatapu 5 People’s Representative, Hon. Dr
Air Kiribati to purchase Twin Otter in a US$6.5 million deal
The Kiribati Government Tuesday signed a US$6.5million deal with AEVEX Aerospace – IKHANA Aircraft Services for the purchase of a Twin Otter (MSN 718). Kiribati Minister for Information, Communication,
No geopolitics from Australia and NZ in Vanuatu Aviation
Many Ni-Vanuatu went to Philippines a few years ago to do their pilot training, however upon returning to Vanuatu, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) did not accept the Philippines Civil Aviation Authority
Bleak prospects for Pacific tourism
Pacific island countries should not expect international travel to resume in earnest until late 2021, travel and aviation experts have warned. ‘You should forget the US market for 2021, as well as Europe and the
I survived the PX073 crash
Once aboard, my seat, 24F on the right side of the rear of the plane was comfortable and the flight attendants were courteous and pleasant. The safety briefing was pretty much like every safety
Airports upgrade for PNG
Project opens up tourism possibiities PAPUA New Guinea has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade rural airports in an effort to develop the tourism industry and allow easier access for investors. This will include
Dreams in the air
Carriers review fleets TWO of the Pacific’s major carriers have started a review of their fleets which could see the Boeing 787 Dreamliner winging across regional skies in the near future. Fiji Airways is expected to
Carbon reduction in the sky lanes
CORSIA maps the future THE aviation sector has a strong track record for climate action. Historically, efficiency improvements in the aviation sector outperform the wider economy: since 1990, aviation efficiency has
Samoa clips Virgin wings
Is Polynesian set for comeback? AN unhappy Samoa Government has signalled an end to its aviation agreement with Virgin Australia from November, opening opportunities for regional and international airlines to fly into
Tonga eyes Apia route
Talks start on flight options THE withdrawal of Samoa from a joint venture with Virgin Australia has sent regional airlines into a frenzy. In June, Real Tonga’s Deputy CEO, Fakatele Faletau, flew into Samoa to look at
Heavy lift
Regional airlines ink flight deal TWO of the region’s smaller airlines have signed a deal which will link three regional destinations and a metropolitan business centre. The deal between Air Kiribati and Solomon
Skies fill with new birds
Air deals to boost Tonga, Samoa arrivals POLYNESIAN neighbours Tonga and Samoa hope to boost visitor numbers to their islands with increased flights between the destinations this year. Real Tonga has announced planned
North Pacific opens
New Guinea’s bird spreads its wings TRAVEL to the Northern Pacific has opened further with new schedules released by Air Niugini. Beginning in December, Papua New Guinea’s national carrier will fly to Chuuk
Air deal links
China finds new door to region A NEW tripartite codeshare service has thrown the door wide open to Asian markets. This month marked the beginning of links between Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu using
Eyes on the skies
Kiribati looks to expand WITH limited freight space and a growing fresh tuna industry, Kiribati has been forced to look at fleet expansion and a return to international flights. Aviation industry insiders point to the
Copy of Airlines meet to discuss market-based measures on Climate change
The Paris Agreement IN December 2015, a landmark agreement was reached in Paris where more than 190 countries agreed to a unified approach to address climate change. This is after more than 25 years of meetings and
Soaring high More airlines serving Guam
THE Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific launched its maiden flight between Manila and Guam on March 15, propelling a new air service that is touted to be a game-changer in the market. The first low-cost carrier
Airlines meet to discuss market-based measures on Climate change
The Paris Agreement IN December 2015, a landmark agreement was reached in Paris where more than 190 countries agreed to a unified approach to address climate change. This is after more than 25 years of meetings and
Fiji Airways in 4-year in a row profit streak
FIJI’s rebranded international airline Fiji Airways continued its profit-making performance to four years in a row now with the announcement last month of a F$70.2million (US$33.9m) before tax profit by the end of
Marshalls goes for top dollar
Tourism, airports key to island plan Marshall Islands’ revived investment agency is in search for new money aimed at boosting the island economy, its ailing aviation and tourism industries in particular. Chief
