Tonga's domestic carrier Real Tonga has added extra weekly flights to Vava'u on a chartered aircraft from Fiji Airways as demand for the season increases.
Matangi Tonga reports a 68-seater ATR72-600 has been introduced to provide added capacity and to replace the Chinese gifted MA60-aircraft that government took back when it terminated its lease with the airline in February.
Real Tonga CEO Tevita Palu says since the termination of the MA60 lease their customers had not received the best service available because they were limited to two aircraft.
He says the ATR72-600 is a great option because it provides an opportunity to evaluate the aircraft's operation with a view to providing regional services in the future.
The aircraft will service Vava'u twice a week on Mondays and Fridays throughout April and May.
In addition, a second Jetstream 32 is expected to arrive in Tonga soon.
