Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Promises, Promises Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
copperspoon 21:28 UTC 28 Jul 2007 | Well the talk about a Fiji-Vava'u connection continues-since no plane has done the route since Royal Tongan quit it is all talk. IMO. Talk, Talk, Talk TONGA DOMESTIC AIRLINE TO BEGIN ROUTE TO FIJI SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, July 26) - Airlines Tonga is expected to begin a new service between Fiji and Vava‘u in Tonga in two weeks’ time. Representative of Airlines Tonga, Samiu Vaipulu revealed this to Radio Tonga today following the presentation of their Air Operating Certificate. [PIR editor’s note: Airlines Tonga started operations in December 2005 as a joint venture partnership between Air Fiji (49 percent) and Tongan travel agency Teta Tours (51percent).] It is one of two domestic airline companies in Tonga, the other being Peau Vava'u. Vava'u Airlines Tonga currently has routes to Vavau, Haapai and Eua in Tonga.] According to Mr. Samiu, Airlines Tonga previously operated under the Foreign Air Operated Certificate but following air safety inspections and tests of engineers and other requirements by the New Zealand Aviation Authority, Airlines Tonga was awarded its Air Operating Certificate. Samiu said they expect to make their trial flight from Vava‘u to Nadi in two week’s time as the start of their service of the route. He said they plan to make two weekly flights from Vava‘u, in efforts to secure affordable airfares between Tonga and Fiji. Vava‘u is Tonga's second largest island to the north, and the hub for whale watching, international yachters and tourists. |