Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa has welcomed Qantas Airways’ first commercial flight that landed at the Faleolo International Airport following the opening of the country's borders.

Emily Luck and her staff from the Australian High Commission joined Samoa Government officials, including Tourism Minister Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster to welcome Qantas flight QF333 at 6.40pm on Tuesday.

Emphasising the importance of the first commercial flight from Australia after two and a half years, the Australian diplomat said it was good to be at the airport to witness the arrival of the plane and its passengers.

"After more than two years, it’s wonderful to welcome the first international flight from Australia to a Samoa with open borders," Ms. Luck said.

"Our two countries share an incredibly close bond, with over 75,000 Samoans living in Australia, it’s exciting to see long overdue reunions as the pandemic has kept our loved ones apart.”

The High Commissioner said the pandemic has had a big impact on local businesses, especially Samoa’s tourism sector.

"We know how much the pandemic has affected local businesses, especially in the tourism sector, so we also look forward to friends and tourists visiting to contribute to Samoa’s economic recovery," she said.

Samoa’s high COVID-19 vaccination rate also played a key role in the opening of the country’s borders, a fact that was not lost on the High Commissioner as she made reference to her Government’s support for Samoa. 

"The Government and people of Samoa have done the important work that has allowed borders to open safely, especially in lifting its vaccine coverage.

"Australia has been pleased to partner with the Government to support this work.  

“We will continue to find ways to work together and support the Government of Samoa as we welcome visitors back into the country.”

According to the Australian High Commission’s Manager of Communications, Jordan Kwan there were over 190 passengers on the Qantas flight.

"The first Qantas flight arrived during a magnificent sunset. It had over 190 passengers on it,” he said. 

The arriving Qantas passengers were welcomed with traditional Samoan dances and music at the Faleolo International Airport. Other commercial flight operators that flew into Samoa this week included Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways and Air New Zealand.

Other officials at the airport on Tuesday evening included Samoa Airport Authority and Samoa Tourism Authority representatives as well as Alise Stunnenberg and Tupa'i Sale'imoa Vaai, the President of SHHA.