3-Month Stint

 

News out of Tonga today...

Lulutai Airlines has leased an additional aircraft, a SAAB 340B, from Air Chathams out of New Zealand for three months to increase the number of seats on the domestic inter-island service. Tonga’s national carrier airline announced that the aircraft arrived in Tonga on 16 July and would begin operating this week, under Lulutai Airline’s Air Operating Certificate. The 34-seat aircraft will help to meet the increase in domestic passenger demand. These extra services coincide with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August, and the 2024 whale-watching season which normally runs from July to October, Lulutai stated. CEO for Lulutai Airlines Poasi Tei said, “We are thrilled to announce this strategic expansion of our fleet. “By adding Air Chathams’ aircraft to our network, we are well-positioned to accommodate the significant rise in domestic travel expected during the peak season. This commitment ensures we can continue to provide our valued customers with exceptional service and reliable connections throughout Tonga.” The Chief Operating Officer for Air Chathams, Duane Emeny also stated, “Air Chathams is humbled to be given the opportunity to once again serve the Friendly Islands. Many of our existing airline team have very fond memories of our time in the Kingdom and are looking forward to supporting Lulutai Airlines through this very busy period for their airline. We wish to acknowledge the proactive support of the Tongan Government and the Tongan Civil Aviation Department for making this lease operation possible.” The lease was made possible with funding assistance from the Government of Australia. Air Chathams was an operator in Tonga’s domestic air services from 2008 to 2013. However, Lulutai currently has two aircarfts, a 19-seater Twin Otter and a 17-seater Y12. The Lulutai's other Saab 340 aircraft is awaiting a final report from aviation safety invesitigators following an accident in December, 2023, at Fua'amotu Domestic Airport.

Source : https://matangitonga.to/2024/07/17/lulutai-airlines-leases-saab-340b-domestic-flights

On the 17th of July 2024 ZK-CIZ began operating Tongatapu-Vava'u flights with three return flights being operated on the 17th.