Samoa Airways quizzed about difference in fares to Apia & Manu’a

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The differences in airfares between flights to Apia and Manu’a were highlighted during a recent House Hearing chaired by Samauel Ioka Ale Meleisea of the Commerce Committee.

Samoa Airways officials that testified were Acting Area Manager Fiona Mariner and Operations Manager Stanley Nansen, last week.

According to Ms Mariner there are a total of eight staff at the Samoa Airways office, and three planes in operation and each plane has 19 seats.

Faippule Logoituau Mark Atafua asked how the airfares are based between Tutuila and Manu’a.

In response, Mariner said prior to 2020 the one way to Ofu was $86 and $91 to Ta’u, but the increased price of fuel led to the increase of the one way for Ofu to $107 and $215 for roundtrip.

“Most of the travelers to Manu’a book last minute their flights and this is another reason why the airfare is increased. It’s $107 for one way but the normal fare is $130,” explained Mariner.

Faippule Alumamalu Ale Filoialii questioned why there are differences in the airfares going to Ta’u and Ofu yet there is a standard rate for fares to Apia.

“This is one of the issues our constituency are complaining about,” he said.

Stanley said at the moment their flights are going to Ta’u but there are tentative flights scheduled to Ofu, and for that flight to Ofu there is a limit on the landing weight, which is another cost factor.

“Only 8- 9 people can be on the flights to Ofu due to the short runway.”

The House of Representatives heard from Stanley the landing fee is $1,005 but it can be more depending on the number of flights. There is no cost charges for services provided by the Quarantine and Customs between Manu’a and Tutuila, but these services are charged on the flights between Tutuila and Upolu.

Chair of the Committee Meleisea asked what is lacking at the Airport that can better their airline’s services.

Stanley said there are no scales at the airport in Tafuna to weigh bags for passengers and the airports in Ofu and Ta’u also don’t have any scales.

He said the request was made to the Department of Port Administration for scales at the Pago Pago International Airport, over two years, but nothing so far has been done.

Meleisea also urged the airline officials to advertise their airfares, fees etc.