MP Leaana says they paid for economy seat on Air NZ but couldnt sit in business class, Minister Leatinuʻu responds "That thinking is why the airline went broke"

Safata 1 MP Leaana Ronnie Posini raised concerns about high airfares and the condition of air travel during a session in Parliament. He urged the Minister responsible for Samoa Airways to consider acquiring a plane for Samoa. Posini illustrated his point by noting that, despite vacant seats in business and premium classes, passengers with economy tickets could not occupy them.

This remark prompted an interjection from Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Minister for MNRE, who sought clarity, asking if Posini was suggesting that passengers should pay for economy seats but be allowed to sit in business class.

Posini responded, expressing sympathy for elderly passengers who had to squeeze into economy seats. He criticized Air New Zealand for its policies, claiming they could do as they pleased because they owned the planes. Posini urged the government to obtain a plane, emphasizing that ownership was crucial even if it meant financial strain.

Minister for Samoa Airways, Leatinu’u Faumuina Wayne Sooialo, countered Posini's argument, stating that such thinking contributed to financial difficulties for airlines. He highlighted that expecting to sit in business class after paying for an economy ticket was impractical. Sooialo noted that Samoa Airways had significantly reduced its debt from 90 million to 7 million and acknowledged the desire for a new plane, but stressed that it should happen when financially feasible.

The debate sparked interjections from the opposition, leading to the leader of the opposition being ejected from the session for not adhering to parliamentary protocols while attempting to discuss the issue.