Real Tonga Airlines is ready to replace Lulutai airlines, the CEO of Palu Aviation, Tevita Palu said today.
“Real Tonga can step back in now to offer the domestic air service as they have done in the past for seven years,” Palu said.
“Lulutai Airlines is struggling to provide the service as required.”
The government-owned SAAB 340 aircraft is undergoing engine repairs and is expected to be grounded for three to four months. A service to the outer islands is currently provided by Fiji Airways.
Palu said Real Tonga had been put out of operation by Covid-19 and local politics.
He said that with the border open a safe and reliable air service was needed.
Palu said aircraft from New Zealand were readily available for delivery to Tonga and were waiting on Tongan Government approval.
He said he had met with several authorities, including the Prime Minister, the Minister Civil Aviation and the Minister of Finance to seek their support.
Palu also met the CEO of Lulutai airlines to discuss how to better support domestic air service.
“Real Tonga is willing and awaiting on Government approval in order to get start its operation,” Palu said.
Real Tonga
Real Tonga began flying in March 2013.
It took over services previously operated by Chathams Pacific, a subsidiary of New Zealand-based airline Air Chathams
Real Tonga Airlines operated two British Aerospace 19-seater Jetstream 32s on flights to Vava’u and Niuafo’ou.
It acquired the aircraft in 2014 after pressure from the New Zealand government which warned tourists not to travel on the Chinese-made MA-60.
Real Tonga ceased operations in 2020. The then Minster of Finance, Tevita Lavermaau, claimed the airline was close to bankruptcy, with most of the debt owed to the government.
The carrier also owed outstanding landing fees to the government. The Covid-19 outbreak made Real Tonga’s situation worse and it faced problems with aircraft availability. It began cancelling its flights.
At one point a partnership between Real Tonga and the government was considered.
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