Samoa Airways applies to U.S. authorities to continue service

By Hyunsook Siutaia 18 January 2021, 4:00PM

Samoa Airways has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation to renew its cabotage exemption which would enable it to continue to fly the Tutuila and Manu’a island group route.

Samoa’s national carrier is currently the only airline serving American Samoa’s domestic routes following the closure of international services due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

According to Samoa News, Samoa Airways’ current exemption of 180-days as required under American federal law expires on 1 February 2021. The airline is requesting a 12-month exemption period in order to avoid the need to file duplicative applications with the U.S. Government.

The national airline has reportedly stated in its new application that without the exemption renewal, Samoa Airways would be forced to suspend its service.

Furthermore, the American Samoa government has requested that Samoa Airways continue to provide emergency service between Pago Pago and the Manu’a Islands, in order to prevent American Samoan residents from being left with little or no air service.

Samoa Airways said it will continue to operate three to five weekly flights between Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands depending on the needs of island residents and shippers and aircraft availability as well as medical evacuation and other emergency flights as needed.

It also says that additional flights will be scheduled if needed. And flights will be operated with Samoa Airways’ 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft.

The airline has an aircraft and crew based in Pago Pago for the Manu’a flights. Currently, there is no U.S. carrier able to serve American Samoa’s domestic routes.


By Hyunsook Siutaia 18 January 2021, 4:00PM
Samoa Observer

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