Samoa Airways Requests DoT Exemption to Continue Pago Pago Ofu Service

Samoa Airways (Polynesian Limited) has requested the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to renew its exemption from provisions 49 USC 40109(g) and 41703(c), allowing continued flights between Pago Pago in American Samoa and the Manu’a Islands, which include Ofu, Olosega, and Tau. The current exemption expires on January 11, 2025, and without renewal, the airline will be required to cease operations.

The Manu’a Islands are located approximately 100 kilometers east of Pago Pago, and although they are part of American Samoa, flights between these islands are considered domestic. Samoa Airways’ current exemption enables the carrier to operate these flights under conditions where no US carrier offers similar services.

The DOT’s authorization allows foreign carriers to operate domestic flights between US points under specific conditions, including when no US carrier is available and when the service is in the public interest. Samoa Airways has been granted these exemptions since 2019, with renewals issued every six months.

The airline has noted that without a local operator, such as the potential Pago Wings launching in 2025, renewing the exemption is crucial for maintaining essential air services for American Samoan residents. The government has also requested Samoa Airways continue operations to prevent a significant reduction in available air services.

Samoa Airways currently operates twice-weekly flights between Pago Pago and Ofu using 19-seat DHC-6-300 aircraft. Should the DOT approve the renewal, the airline will continue to meet the needs of island residents, shippers, and emergency services.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airline

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com