Cabinet has approved the recommendation of a Sub-Committee reviewing the operations of Samoa Airways to appoint an interim Managing Director for the national airline.

The approval by the Cabinet was outlined in a Cabinet directive FK (22) 26 dated 7 July 2022 for the appointment of Fauo'o Fatu Tielu as the interim C.E.O. of Samoa Airways.

In an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer on Monday afternoon, Fauo'o said he is "privileged" to be asked again by the Government to head the national airline during the interim period. 

"I feel very privileged to come back to the company although it's on a temporary basis, I am very grateful," Fauo'o said in response to queries from this newspaper.

Last month Cabinet appointed an interim Board for the airline to oversee its operation while a review and restructure exercise of the national flag carrier is undertaken. The interim Board members include Tupuola Koki Tuala, Fauo'o and businessman Taimalie Charlie Ah Liki.  

As the interim C.E.O. of the airline, Fauo'o said his main focus is addressing their debt among other issues. 

"The main issue we need to look into is trying to address the company's debt," he said. "We are also looking at the availability of flights between Samoa and New Zealand and Australia for some sort of competition. 

"Other areas of focus include improving the current operation of the airline."

Asked how he as interim C.E.O. will address the airline's debts, Fauo'o said: "Well we obviously need to ask the Government to assist us in that regard. 

"We still have some funds left and we will also have to see where else we can get money from for the operation of the company."

Fauo'o added that he is no stranger to the operations of the airline and its management. 

"Well actually I suppose I'm familiar with the most of the staff and the operation of the company and I have a fair understanding of what's going on so I am glad to be back, even if it's just an interim appointment."

Fauo'o was former general manager at Polynesian Airlines who turned the airline’s debts around to make profit. 

Earlier this month, Cabinet referred the contract of the Samoa Airways C.E.O. Tupuivao Alvin Tuala to the Attorney General for advice, due to confusion over whether it was extended by the airline’s former Board.

Tupuivao was reappointed for a third term in office in January 2019 with the contract ending in January this year.  

But a decision by the airline’s former Board to vary his contract clashes with a Cabinet resolution earlier this year, to cease the use of contract variations for the C.E.O. position unless in special circumstances.

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo told the Samoa Observer that the Cabinet had already made the decision to stop any variation of C.E.O. contracts. 

“But there is contradiction on this because he [Tupuivao] says his contract was extended until September this year by the old Board,” he said. 

“Cabinet has no record of FK for that variation and we were already in office during that time in January. 

“That is where that is at the moment and we are awaiting an advice from the Attorney General on this…” 

Tupuivao was contacted by this newspaper for comment, but he referred all questions to the Minister of Samoa Airways. 

The Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Hinari Petana, former Attorney General, Taulapapa Brenda Heather–Latu, Ministry of Public Enterprises C.E.O. Tooala Elita Tooala and the Minister of Samoa Airways are carrying out a review and restructure for the national airline.