Transcript
ALEX JENNINGS: I am always looking for opportunities to work with Tokelau since I have been here now 12 years in the seat and been to Tokelau several times and, like I said, we worked on several projects together and we have proven over the years that there is so much benefit in a good relationship. Aviation is definitely something of common interest.
DON WISEMAN: What was the nature of the approach made to you?
AJ: Well we have discussed services, air services, for a long time but we have never really, can pinpoint any specifics. But then I received a request of the possibility of utilising Swains Island as an alternate or even possibly as a fuel station for a helicopter operation. Now when I was approached the transaction already took place as far as the purchase and I assume all the plans were in place. I was actually in Texas one day when I got the email so when I got back I went to meet with them and not only did I agree I thought for economic and safety reasons that it would be a benefit to have Swain's as a stopover.
DW: Of course that would require you to have a fuel dump for helicopter fuel, wouldn't it?
AJ: Oh yes and immediately, in fact before I met with Tokelau, I called the Federal Aviation Administration and I asked about it and there are international agreements that you can use. It can always come over as an alternate, as an emergency alternate. As far as a fuel station it is not as strict as well because as long as we are not disembarking or boarding passengers in Swains you can stopover and just get fuel and continue with your route. So it wouldn't be too hard. But then I also presented it to our local leaders and again through efforts of trying to promote relations the government here signed an MOU with Tokelau a couple of years ago that we will start looking up opportunities to work together on various socio-economic issues.
DW: It would seem given that there has been an uproar on Tokelau about these helicopters in the last month or so and that it is very unlikely to go ahead. So I guess you are disappointed now?
AJ: Well you know like I said, I am not involved with the decision making but the thing for sure is a service, air service for Tokelau is essential. I know, a helicopter would have been really nice if they had a search and rescue or what have you. I think fixed wing airplanes are a better way to go but I don't know about the land resource, whether it has sufficient land to put in an airport to sustain an aircraft flying direct from Apia to Tokelau, I am not sure. But again I am available for whatever way I can assist and I am always looking at those opportunities. But as far as disappointment, oh yes, it is kinda but I can also understand. I am a commercial pilot - I am not familiar with helicopters operations or the CAA rules, but I know that it is going to be a challenge for an aircraft, for a helicopter, to go direct from Apia to Tokelau - Fakalofa the first island, without some stopover. You know that was why I was really supportive of their request.
DW: Are you surprised that they had gone ahead and bought the helicopters without checking a few of these basic details?
AJ: I don't want to comment on that, you know that is the decision that was made. I don't know what the basis what have you but I really don't. I am trying to preserve our relationship and express that I am always available to work with them in whatever way I can, but those things I don't want to get involved with the decision process.
