28 Aug 2014

Samoa Govt airlines files for exemption from US

10:36 am on 28 August 2014

The Samoa government owned Polynesian Airlines has filed for a temporary exemption with the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate commercial flights for American Samoa's domestic service.

There have been no flights between the territory's main island of Tutuila and the Manu'a island group since June because locally based Inter Island Airways has been down for mechanical program.

In its application filed Monday with the U.S. Transportation Department, Polynesian requests an emergency exemption from provisions of federal law, that will permit the airline to transport persons, property and mail between Tutuila and the Manu'a islands for a period of ninety dates beginning September 1, 2014.

It also says that the American Samoa government has requested that Polynesian provide emergency service to prevent American Samoan residents from being left without air service.

The airline will also provide medical evacuation, if needed.

If granted, the airline plans to use a 19-seater Twin Otter plane for the Manu'a flights.