Chathams Pacific (Tongatapu) has announced that it will stop operations and give up all of its domestic flights in Tonga from March 3. The regional carrier has published a press statement explaining that it would have decided to close its operation following plans by the government of Tonga to establish its own domestic carrier with the assistance of China that will donate a Yunshuji Y-7 and 17-seat Y12 turboprop to the island kingdom to launch the new state owned airline. Chathams Pacific feels that the domestic market would not be able to support two carriers and has therefore decided to already stop operations ahead of the low season and the subsequent market entry of its new competitor with the yet unnamead carrier expected to launch in June. Chathams Pacific currently operates six aircraft including a CV-580, DC-3, BN-2, Metroliner and two 8-seat Beech Queen Airs.