Real Tonga Airlines CEO Tevita Palu says the Tongan government should leave the airline services to the private sector.
As Kaniva News reported earlier, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku suggested that selling its Lulutai airline to a private company could be a way to resolve the crisis over the outer islands service.
The government-owned SAAB 340 aircraft is undergoing engine repairs and is expected to be grounded for three to four months.
The government’s Lulutai airlines has been mired in controversy ever since it was started by the previous government to replace Palu’s Real Tonga airline.
Palu earlier said Real Tonga Airlines was ready to replace Lulutai airlines.
“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 last month.
“Real Tonga operated the domestic services for seven years,” Palu said.
He said the Tongan government had used Covid as an opportunity to forcibly remove the services from Real Tonga.
Palu said he had helped Lulutai with mechanical assistance.
“It has been 30 years since I did this job with my company Palu Aviation for Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin and Fiji Airways,” he said.
The government operated its Lulutai airline for two years and has now had to hire Fiji Airways to maintain the service to Vava’u until June 30.
Australia had provided a $500,000 subsidy to pay Fiji Airways.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku met with Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and senior Staff at the company’s head office in Nadi last month. He and a Tongan delegation toured the Fijian airlines’ facilities.
For more information
Australian financial subsidy will keep Tongatapu-Vava’u service flying until June
Real Tonga ready to fill gap left by loss of Lulutai services, says former airline’s boss
Honourable Prime Minister and Lulutai team meet with Fiji Airways management
