Talofa Airways seeks annual exemption renewal

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Privately owned, Samoa-based Talofa Airways has requested the U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) for renewal of its exemption from federal law to continue operating both scheduled and charter flights, as well as all cargo air transport between Samoa and the U.S. — which is mainly in and out of American Samoa.

The continued exemption request includes the airline’s flights between Apia and Pago Pago via Tonga, using small aircraft. The airline’s current exemption was issued Dec. 09, 2021 and valid for not less than 12-months.

Talofa Airways argued that granting the request, is in the public interest, as it will ensure continuity of air commerce between Samoa and the U.S, including but not limited to ensuring that scheduled air services at remote, island communities are not disrupted.

Talofa Airways’ new request, filed an Nov. 02, seeks an exemption of not less then one-year.