Real Tonga Airlines (Tongatapu) is in talks with Polynesian Airlines (Apia Fagali'i) over a possible codeshare on the Tongan carrier's proposed Vava'u-Apia Faleolo service.
According to the Samoa Observer newspaper, the service could start as early as next month marking the first time in over a decade the two Pacific islands have had direct flights. Operations would be on-board the carrier's Saab 340B.
“We’re brothers, and we haven't had any direct services for more than ten years. Ever since Polynesian halted their fully fledged airline services, that all stopped,” Real Tonga's general manager commercial, Tele Faletau, said. “We’re very happy to be discussing a code share with Polynesian Airlines so that will be a joint Polynesian Airlines and Real Tonga (initiative).”
Polynesian Airlines operates three DHC-6-300s on regular shuttle flights between Apia Fagali'i and Pago Pago in American Samoa. It also has US Department of Transportation (DOT) consent to operate cabotage flights from Pago Pago to Fitiuta and Ofu. Later this year, it will partner Fiji Airways in forming Samoa Airways, the Samoan government's planned to successor to Virgin Samoa.
