Lulutai Airlines has leased an ATR72-500 from New Zealand’s Air Chathams to manage increased passenger demand on its Tongatapu-Vava’u route during the holiday period.
The aircraft, ZK-MCO, arrived in Tonga from Auckland earlier this month and started operations.
Air Chathams’ CCO, Duane Emeny, confirmed the plane will remain in Tonga until December 24, supported by a team of two pilots, two cabin crew, an engineer, and a ground support member.
This marks the second collaboration between the airlines this year, following Air Chathams’ earlier deployment of a Saab 340B to Lulutai for three months.
Lulutai operates flights from Tongatapu to Eua, Vava’u, and Ha’apai, utilizing a DHC-6-400 leased from Fiji Link, a Harbin Yunshuji Y12, and an out-of-service Saab 340B(Plus).
The ATR72-500 will improve its capabilities during the peak travel season.