The Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) wishes to inform the public that a temporary power disruption occurred at the Faleolo International Airport Terminal Building following an unforeseen low-voltage condition from the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) supply.
As designed, the airport’s Power Centre system automatically responded by starting the standby generator and transferring the Terminal Building’s electrical load to emergency generator power to maintain operations. The generator successfully started and assumed the load; however, it later shut down after detecting a technical fault.
A short delay occurred in restoring the power supply due to the need for manual switching between separate power centres, which are supplied by different EPC grid feeders. This required the duty operator to travel between the two locations to complete the transfer process.
Once the issue was identified, the operator promptly restored the power supply and immediately reported the incident to the relevant technical personnel.
Following an initial assessment, the fault was traced to the generator’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). The SAA Mechanical Department responded immediately and conducted a preliminary investigation, which identified a fault associated with the diesel fuel supply line to the standby generator.
Further technical investigations and corrective maintenance are currently being undertaken to determine the root cause of the fault and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Samoa Airport Authority is pleased to advise that the power supply has now been fully restored. The Terminal Building is operating normally, with a stable electricity supply, and all airport operations continue as scheduled.
Technical teams are closely monitoring the system to ensure continued reliability and the safety of airport operations.
The Samoa Airport Authority apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of the travelling public, airport users and stakeholders while the issue was resolved.
SAA remains committed to maintaining safe, reliable and efficient airport operations at all times.
Official press release issued by the Samoa Airport Authority.
About the Author
Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu
Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu is the General Manager of the Samoa Airport Authority, which is responsible for managing and maintaining Samoa’s airport facilities and supporting safe, reliable and efficient airport operations.
