Samoa is forging ahead with plans to construct an airport at Aleipata, with the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, saying it is a critical infrastructure investment for the future.
According to the Prime Minister's press office, the location is ideal, and makes a lot of economic sense to build the necessary port and airport infrastructure at Satitoa, on the eastern side of Upolu island.
In a statement, it says it's already experiencing a booming tourism industry, with several boutique resorts opening up around the area over the last few years with more in the pipeline in the coming months.
It also adds the bold vision - and expectation - is that Aleipata will have its own thriving satellite township in 20-30 years time.
It also points out the nearest point to American Samoa, and the United States, is Satitoa, Aleipata.
The Prime Ministers office says American Samoa will always remain an important trade and travel market for Samoa now and in the foreseeable future.
It says the territory will continue to serve as Samoa's doorway to the United States.
