American Samoa’s Pago Wings Set to Start Operations in Mid 2023:

American Samoa’s aviation landscape is set to welcome a new player as Pago Wings prepares to initiate charter operations in early November 2023. Despite not yet securing a local air services license and FAA certification for scheduled passenger flights between Pago Pago and Apia Faleolo in neighboring Samoa, Pago Wings, under the stewardship of Pacific Air Charters and local businessman Papali’l Laulii Alofa, is gearing up to provide ad-hoc charter services.

Pacific Air Charters, based in Honolulu, will facilitate Pago Wings’ initial foray into the skies by leveraging its Part 135 certificate. The startup aims to commence charter flights around the Manuʻa Islands, part of the US Pacific territory, while concurrently pursuing local licensing and certification processes for broader operations.

Marshall Ashley, CEO of Pacific Air Charters, envisions future charter flights connecting American Samoa with destinations such as Samoa, Vava’u, Tonga, and other islands in the Pacific. Once the requisite FAA certification is secured, Pago Wings intends to enter the competitive arena of scheduled services between American Samoa and Samoa, challenging existing players like Talofa Airways (Apia Faleolo). However, it’s worth noting that formal applications for a local air services license are pending, as reported by the Samoa Observer.

Pacific Air Charters laid the groundwork for Pago Wings’ entry by transporting its first Tecnam P2012 to Pago Pago in September. The aircraft, bearing registration N1202P (msn 56), is one of two acquired for deployment in American Samoa. Currently engaged in familiarization flights around the Manuʻa Islands, this Tecnam P2012 marks the beginning of Pago Wings’ operational journey. Marshall anticipates a fleet expansion with four P2012s based in Pago Pago, supported by a rotational team of 10-12 pilots stationed in Honolulu.

Pacific Air Charters, which acquired two Tecnam P2102s in May 2023 along with options for an additional 23 aircraft, is strategically positioning Pago Wings to meet the growing demand for air travel in the Pacific region. As the airline industry in American Samoa prepares for this exciting addition, passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike can anticipate further developments as Pago Wings takes flight in the vibrant skies of the South Pacific.