Cheaper flights beckon to Samoa

The Samoan Government is confident a new venture airline between Polynesian Airlines and Virgin Blue will be flying out of Apia from next March.

Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni said the airline would operate under the name Polynesian Blue and would increase capacity to Samoa.

Mr Telefoni said Polynesian Blue would take over the international flights of the Samoa Government-owned carrier.

Polynesian Airlines would continue its domestic operations to Savai'i and American Samoa.

Air New Zealand and Air Pacific, Fiji's international airline 46 per cent owned by Qantas, also fly to Samoa.

Mr Telefoni said the increased competition on the route from Polynesian Blue, with access to Virgin and Pacific Blue's facilities and aircraft, should see cheaper flights to Samoa.

The Samoan Government had turned down bids from Air New Zealand and Qantas in favour of Virgin Blue because it had the best proposals "in every sense".

"We accept that it will be no-frills, no business class, but cheap air fares."

Mr Telefoni said the Samoan Government would now start detailed negotiations that should see Polynesian Blue start flying in the first half of next year.

"The new airline will provide the people of Samoa with regular and affordable air travel and a platform to grow tourism to the country and thus the economy."

The liquidators of Royal Tongan Airlines are meanwhile encouraging employees to claim for wages owed after the national airline collapsed in the middle of the year following the repossession of its Boeing 757 by Royal Brunei Airlines.