Lulutai Leases ATR72-500 for Busy Holiday Season
Lulutai Airlines is gearing up for the upcoming holiday period by wet-leasing an ATR72-500 from Air Chathams to enhance its Tongatapu-Vava’u route. The aircraft, registered as ZK-MCO (msn 628), was ferried from Auckland International Airport to Tongatapu on December 12, 2024, and began operations for Lulutai two days later. This strategic move aims to accommodate the surge in passenger demand during the festive season, ensuring smooth and efficient travel for holidaymakers.
Duane Emeny, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Chathams, confirmed to ch-aviation that the ATR72-500 would remain in Tonga until December 24. Accompanying the aircraft are two pilots, two cabin crew members, one engineer, and a ground support team, all dedicated to maintaining high service standards throughout the leasing period. This arrangement underscores Air Chathams’ commitment to supporting regional airlines like Lulutai in meeting peak travel demands.
Jackson Afu, a representative from Lulutai Airlines, shared with Matangi Tonga that the leased ATR72-500 is scheduled to operate 12 roundtrips per week between Tongatapu and Vava’u. He highlighted the strong pre-Christmas demand on this route, noting that the airline is experiencing no difficulty in filling the 72-passenger capacity of the ATR72-500. This high occupancy rate reflects the robust demand for travel between these popular destinations, driven by both tourism and family visits during the holiday season.
Earlier in the year, Air Chathams had also provided support to Lulutai Airlines by sending a Saab 340B aircraft for three months to manage a spike in passenger numbers. This ongoing collaboration between the two airlines demonstrates a reliable partnership aimed at ensuring uninterrupted and comfortable travel for passengers, even during periods of increased demand.
Lulutai Airlines operates flights from Tongatapu Airport to several destinations, including Eua, Vava’u, and Ha’apai. According to ch-aviation PRO airlines data, the airline currently maintains a fleet that includes a single DHC-6-400 operated by Fiji Link from Nadi, a Harbin Yunshuji Y12, and an out-of-service Saab 340B(Plus). The addition of the ATR72-500 significantly boosts Lulutai’s operational capacity, allowing the airline to better serve its passengers and expand its reach within the region.
The Tongatapu-Vava’u route is particularly vital during the holiday season, as it connects two of Tonga’s most frequented islands, facilitating both leisure and business travel. The ATR72-500, known for its reliability and efficiency, is well-suited to handle the short-haul flights between these islands, providing passengers with a comfortable and timely travel experience.
As the holiday season approaches, Lulutai Airlines’ decision to wet-lease an ATR72-500 from Air Chathams positions the airline to effectively manage the influx of travelers. This proactive approach not only enhances the airline’s service offerings but also reinforces its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. By leveraging Air Chathams’ expertise and fleet flexibility, Lulutai Airlines ensures that it can deliver consistent and high-quality service, even during the busiest times of the year.
In summary, Lulutai Airlines’ partnership with Air Chathams to wet-lease an ATR72-500 is a strategic initiative aimed at maximizing operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction during the holiday season. With the added capacity and support, Lulutai is well-prepared to handle the increased travel demand, providing seamless connectivity between Tongatapu and Vava’u and strengthening its position in the regional aviation market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com