3 Jun 2008

Polynesian airlines no longer sole national carrier of Samoa

11:08 am on 3 June 2008

Polynesian can no longer lay claim to being the sole national carrier of Samoa.

The Samoa Government has given the same designation to South Pacific Express Inc.

Airline official Vince Haleck says with this designation, the US Department of Transportation would favorably consider SPEX's application for landing rights in American Samoa.

SPEX is now licensed in Samoa and will operate under NZ Civil Aviation Authority rules, instead of the Federal Aviation Administration.

SPEX is awaiting Department of Transportation approval for landing rights at Tafuna Airport and according to Mr Haleck the airline should resume service in two weeks.

The airline suspended flights between Pago Pago and Apia at the end of April to undergo inspections by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority