Pago Wings starts testing charter routes

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Pago Wings, with intentions to operate charter flights to Samoa, performed trial flights to the Manu'a island last week. 

Samoa Observer is reporting these flights were specifically designated as test flights aimed at assessing payload capacities, and notably, passengers were on board during these assessments. 

This meticulous testing process is crucial in gauging the aircraft's performance under various conditions and ensuring its readiness for operational flights with passengers, said a statement from the company.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Civil Aviation in Samoa, Olo Fiti Va'ai confirmed in a recent interview in The Observer that the American Samoa company, Pago Wings has yet to apply for an air service license.

Currently, Talofa Airways and Samoa Airways which are Samoa owned are the only airlines operating the route between Pago Pago and Apia. 

Samoa News stated earlier that Pago Wings hoped to begin offering charter flights on Nov. 1, 2023 while it applies for U.S. government approval for its scheduled air service.

Pago Wings is owned by businessman Papali’I Laulii Alofa with the company operating the charter flights under the Hawaii-based Pacific Air Charters Inc. 

The Observer said the plane has flown twice to Manu’a just for familiarization, without landing at both Ofu and Fitiuta airports and the airline will do test flights before the start of its charter service.