23 Jan 2015

Samoa airline revival mooted

4:33 pm on 23 January 2015

A Samoan MP of the ruling HRPP party, Tu'uu Anasi'i Leota, has called on the government to consider reviving its own airline.

Tu'uu says this follows concerns raised by many of the travelling public over delay of international flights, alleging this was the result of pilots working far too many hours.

He has told parliament Virgin Samoa and Air New Zealand have been seen as more friendly to each other rather than competing.

The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says the joint venture deal between Polynesian Airlines and Virgin Australia will be reviewed this year.

He says the government has a long-term vision for the development of tourism with a plan to upgrade Faleolo International Airport.

This, he says, will open up to more competition with other big airlines.