Apia, Samoa – The Samoan Civil Aviation Minister, Olo Fiti Va’ai, has confirmed that Pago Wings' flight on June 19, 2024, from Pago Pago to Apia Faleolo had the necessary landing permits, dispelling recent local media speculation regarding the legality of the flight. The flight, conducted under a valid charter permit, complied with all relevant aviation regulations.
Local media outlet Samoa Observer had raised questions about the flight's compliance, reporting that Pago Wings did not have a “Certificate of Authority” from the Air Traffic Organisation. The Samoa Observer's article implied that the American Samoa-owned airline's operations might be unauthorised. Minister Olo, in response to BluTV, criticised the Samoa Observer journalist, suggesting that the reporter should research thoroughly and report facts accurately.
Pago Wings, an emerging on-demand charter operator in American Samoa, has previously faced allegations of regulatory breaches. Earlier this year, the airline was accused of operating unauthorised charter flights between the American Samoan islands of Tutuila/Pago Pago and Manu’a, prompting an investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Pago Wings has cooperated fully with the investigation, which is expected to conclude shortly without any punitive measures.
Owned by Papali’i Laulii Alofa and Wanda Alofa, who also run Pacific Air Charters in Honolulu, Pago Wings aims to expand its operations in American Samoa. The company plans to use a fleet of Tecnam P2012 aircraft, leased from Pacific Air Charters, to establish a foothold in the region's air travel market. Despite initial plans to begin Part 135 flights in late 2023, the launch was delayed. Pago Wings has been conducting test flights to assess payload capabilities, which included transporting government employees, raising some concerns from Samoa Airways about the legitimacy of these flights.
Marshall Ashley, President of Pago Wings, explained that the flights were conducted legally under Part 91 and did not require additional authorisation. He emphasised that Pago Wings is a limited liability company designed to manage aircraft leases and local tax implications, not to operate flights directly.
The clarification from the Samoan Civil Aviation Minister and the cooperation with the FAA investigation highlight Pago Wings' commitment to regulatory compliance as it seeks to expand its services and enhance regional connectivity.
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