The Samoa government has ordered all public servants travelling overseas to use the recently launched Samoa Airways for their trips.
Launch of Samoa Airways Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
An official Cabinet decision was circulated last week urging all government travel to be on the new national carrier on flights to and from New Zealand and Australia.
It also urges all those who are traveling on sponsored trips to ask the sponsor to book travel on Samoa Airways.
The airline has apparently not received any funding from government to start operations, but questions have arisen after allegations that it is costing $US500,000 to lease the plane it now operates.
At the official launch PM Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said the government had not given the airline any operating funds, saying it must be run as a business.
