Nauru Airlines (Nauru) is discussing a potential joint venture with Real Tonga Airlines (Tongatapu) covering a service between Brisbane International and Tongatapu in Tonga, Radio New Zealand has reported.

The potential partnership was discussed during a recent meeting between the Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, Nauru Airlines chairman Trevor Jensen, and the managing director of Real Tonga, Tevita Palu.

The proposed service would serve both the significant Tongan population in Brisbane, as well as the needs of the seasonal workers travelling to work in Australia during the summer.

According to the ch-aviation capacity module, Tongatapu currently sees only two weekly flights to Australia, operated by Virgin Australia International (VA, Brisbane International) to Sydney Kingsford Smith.

Nauru Airlines already operates from Brisbane to Nauru (3x weekly) and Honiara in the Solomon Islands (2x weekly). It operates four B737-300s and a single B737-300(F) and does not currently serve Tonga.

For its part, Real Tonga Airlines operate exclusively domestically and regionally to Apia Faleolo with its fleet of one active Saab 340B(Plus), one inactive MA-60 as well as a BN-2 and a Y12. Given its fleet, it cannot operate own services to Australia.