Pago Wings Clarifies Operations Amid Reports of Unauthorized Flights in American Samoa

Pago Wings has addressed concerns raised by local media and a complaint from Samoa Airways regarding its charter flights between Tutuila and Manu’a in American Samoa. The company emphasized to ch-aviation that its operations comply with all regulations, highlighting its status as a limited liability company rather than an air carrier. This statement comes in response to allegations reported by Talanei news that suggested Pago Wings engaged in unauthorized passenger charter flights, potentially posing a safety risk according to Samoa Airways.

Owned by Pago Pago-based businessman Papali’i Laulii Alofa, Pago Wings operates under the auspices of Pacific Air Charters, a Part 135 air carrier based in Honolulu. The partnership between Pago Wings and Pacific Air Charters involves leasing aircraft, specifically Tecnam P2012s, which were introduced to American Samoa by Pacific Air Charters on behalf of Pago Wings. In 2023, FAA records confirmed the registration of three P2012 aircraft under Paramount Builders Inc, owned by Alofa, with a fourth added in January 2024.

The collaboration had initially planned to commence Part 135 flights around American Samoa using the Tecnam P2012 aircraft by late 2023, with aspirations to further expand into scheduled services pending certification. However, delays have postponed these operations. Recent test flights were reported to assess payload capabilities, with government employees being transported during these exercises, raising concerns from Samoa Airways about the legality of such charter operations.

Marshall Ashley, President of Pago Wings, clarified the situation to ch-aviation, stating that Pacific Air Charters had conducted flights under Part 91 within American Samoa, carrying passengers legally without the need for additional authorizations. These operations were not considered test flights, according to Ashley. He further explained the structural and operational framework of Pago Wings, noting its primary role in holding aircraft titles leased to Pacific Air Charters and managing local tax implications, reaffirming that Pago Wings itself has not conducted any flights as an air carrier.

The response from Pago Wings aims to dispel misunderstandings and reassure stakeholders of its compliance with aviation regulations. Samoa Airways has yet to comment on the issue.