Samoa Airways to Refurbish Twin Otter Fleet

Samoa Airways will send one of its DHC-6-300 Twin Otters to Canada for a full refurbishment later this year, continuing its fleet renewal program after returning to profitability in 2025. The aircraft will remain out of service until February 2026, with the airline budgeting WST10 million ($3.7 million) for the overhaul.

The decision follows the successful refurbishment of 5W-FAW (msn 827), the youngest of the fleet, which re-entered service in March 2025. The 40-year-old aircraft currently operates on Samoa Airways’ busiest and most profitable routes linking Apia Fagali’i, Apia Faleolo, and Pago Pago in American Samoa.

The carrier’s remaining Twin Otters include 5W-FAY (msn 690), aged 45.3 years and parked since August 2025, and 5W-STF (msn 402), which is more than 51 years old. The refurbishments aim to extend aircraft life and ensure reliable service on critical regional routes.

Samoa Airways’ fleet investment comes after a major financial turnaround. For the year ending June 30, 2025, the airline posted a net profit of WST11 million ($4.1 million) after eight straight years of losses. Debt was reduced from WST80 million ($29.9 million) to WST10 million ($3.7 million), supported by government intervention, including a loan write-off and direct aid to clear outstanding obligations.

In addition to services between Samoa and American Samoa, the airline operates within American Samoa, flying from Pago Pago to the Manu’a Islands. This cabotage authorization runs through January 2026, pending entry by a U.S.-based carrier.

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