By: Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
Since Samoa’s borders opened August 2022, in excess of 120,000 travelers have passed in and out of Faleolo International Airport, Samoa Airport Authority’s Chief Executive Silimanaia Ueta Jr. Solomona estimates.
The data translates to millions of tala in fresh new revenues injected into the economy on the heels of a year drought in tourism revenues as a result of the Measles Outbreak and COVID19 pandemic.
And since the Borders opened, Faleolo has literally come alive 7 days a week with flights transporting visitors and returning and visiting relatives.
From a minimum of two flights a flight for cargo and repatriation transport, Faleolo Airport is welcoming 21 flights a week.
Since late November 2022, Air NZ have maintained 12 weekly flights from Auckland utilizing a mix of Boeing 787 and Airbus 321.Fiji Airways have 7 flights a week return to Nadi and 1 service to Honolulu on their Boeing 737 Max aircraft.21 flights a week- In excess of 120,000 travelers Qantas currently operates twice weekly flights to Australia.
And the flights account for 25% of aircraft movement at Faleolo, says Silimanai noting that 2% are private and charter services.
The bulk of 73% of the airport movements’ day in and day out is to cater for the inter-island Samoa route serviced by Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways.
As of press time, negotiations are continuing with Virgin Air on their return although the Australia based airline has indicated March as the target date to prelaunch their partnership with Samoa.
PHOTO: File Photo
