Lulutai Airlines has leased a Saab 340 aircraft from Air Chathams to address growing passenger demand and flight disruptions.
The airline, Tonga’s sole domestic carrier, will operate the Saab for the next three months under a wet lease agreement, which includes Air Chathams’ crew.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Paula Piukala, told reporters during a press conference on Friday that the move aims to restore confidence in domestic travel.
The Saab 340 is expected to provide two round trips per day between Tongatapu and Vava’u.
Meanwhile, Lulutai’s Y12 aircraft remains grounded after failing a Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) audit.
Piukala said the Civil Aviation Authority revoked its license due to overdue maintenance but engineers are working on it now with the aim to start flying next week.
Lulutai’s second Saab 340 remains out of service following an accident at Fua’amotu Domestic Airport in December 2023.
