Samoa’s Ministry of Transport’s Civil Aviation Division has recently received an application from Hainan Airline, based in Haikou, Hainan, China. The airline seeks a certificate to continue operating direct flights between China and Samoa. The Minister for Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va’ai, confirmed the application, known as the Foreign Air Operating Certificate, during a parliamentary session.
According to Olo, Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd, a 5-star airline as rated by Skytrax, has applied for a license to conduct commercial flights to and from China. The Ministry’s Civil Aviation Division is currently assessing the application, following standard procedures for issuing licenses to international airlines. The assessment aims to ensure that the airline and its aircraft meet international safety standards. The Pacific Safety Office (P.A.S.O.), based in Vanuatu, is also involved in the assessment process.
One advantage of Hainan Airlines having nine to ten aircraft is that there will be operational continuity even if one aircraft requires maintenance. Olo emphasized that the airline’s flights to Samoa would contribute to increased revenue for the Samoa Airport Authority.
Previously, Hainan Airline facilitated the arrival of over 500 Chinese tourists to Samoa in late May and early June through chartered flights organised by a Hong Kong-based travel company called Travel Focus. However, the government suspended these flights after discovering non-compliance with civil aviation regulations governing long-haul charter flights. Under the regulations, chartered flights are limited to two flights every 28 days.
The assessment process and consideration of Hainan Airline’s application reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring adherence to safety standards while exploring opportunities to enhance air connectivity between China and Samoa.
