The Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) says it will not follow the path of its political rivals in making costly promises to purchase new aircraft for Samoa Airways. 

Instead, the party has outlined a more cautious and financially responsible approach, opting to pursue a partnership with the national airline as a way to rebuild capacity without risking public finances.

Speaking at SUP’s manifesto launch on Tuesday, caretaker Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai explained the reasoning behind the decision. He said the government has the financial means to buy aircraft, but that alone is not the solution to restoring Samoa Airways. 

“It’s easy to bring in an aeroplane with the money we have now. But to operate it in a way that generates profit and to ensure it remains sustainable, that is our concern,” Lautimuia said. “We don’t want to repeat what happened with a company that collapsed.”

The Finance Minister’s remarks were a clear reference to the hard lessons learned from the previous financial troubles faced by Samoa Airways.

Lautimuia said these are the very risks the government must carefully weigh before making new commitments.

SUP’s position stands in contrast to the manifestos of the Faatuatua i le Atua Ua Tasi Party (FAST) and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), who have each pledged to purchase aircraft to restore full international services. FAST has promised a $300 million injection into Samoa Airways, while HRPP confirmed in its presentation that it would procure large aircraft to service key international markets, including New Zealand, Australia and American Samoa.

Lautimuia believes the focus must remain on long-term viability. He said the government’s approach is grounded in realism, not politics. “We are looking at what truly works for Samoa, not what looks good in a campaign. If we bring in aircraft without a sound operating plan, the result will only be more debt and disappointment,” he said.

As the nation prepares for the 29 August general election, SUP is betting that its message of financial discipline and partnership over populism will resonate with voters who want progress without risk.