The government of Samoa has turned to Fiji Airways (FJ, Nadi) for technical assistance in reestablishing local carrier Polynesian Airlines (Apia Fagali'i) as a full-scale international operator. The move comes after Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi last week announced Virgin Samoa (Apia Faleolo), a joint-venture with Virgin Australia (VA, Brisbane International), would not be renewed in December this year citing diminished profitability.

According to The Sunday Samoan, Malielegaoi said talks with the Fijians were currently ongoing over a possible partnership which would see Polynesian Airlines resume international flights on a grander scale.

At present, it operates three DHC-6-300s on regular passenger flights between Samoa and American Samoa. Prior to the advent of Virgin Samoa, Polynesian Airlines had also operated a single B737-800 on flights to Auckland International and Wellington in New Zealand; Brisbane International, Melbourne Airport, and Sydney Kingsford Smith in Australia.

“The negotiations is ongoing for the next five to six months for the changes to follow through,” the Prime Minister added.