A Member of Parliament has questioned the relationship between the airlines flying to Samoa, raising the possibility that they have become friends rather than competitors.
Speaking in Parliament this week, the Associate Minister of Education, Sports and Culture and the M.P. for Siumu, Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota, cautioned that a friendship between the airlines could be dangerous for the country.
“I have seen that Polynesian and Air New Zealand have been making friends and forgetting about the country,” he said.
“My suggestion to the Prime Minister and the Government is to look into this and see if now is not the time to return Polynesian (to Samoa).”
When that happens, the Airline should target international routes like Hawaii, the United States and also China. This is vital in the push to develop tourism.
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Tuu’u said the partnership between the government and Virgin Australia to form Virgin Samoa is vital.
The Member of Parliament also shared his disappointment about the Fiji Airways and its continuous delays.
“I am aware of the continuous delay of flights from and to Fiji,” said the M.P. “Its like the pilots make it a habit to delaying the flights.
“When they feel tired, claiming they have exceeded their flying hours, they delay it without considering people who are not aware of it.” Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, intervened.
He backed Tuu’u’s concerns.
In acknowledging that the claims from the M.P. are true, Tuilaepa said a lot has changed over the years in terms of the relationship governing Virgin Samoa.
“After the (wedding) there was a lot of competition,” said the Prime Minister.
“But now they have become a couple,” he said referring to Virgin Samoa and Air New Zealand.
“The thing with couples is that they make decisions on their pillows and that is what is happening now…that wedding is due to be reviewed this year.”
Tuilaepa was referring to a review of Virgin Samoa’s operations.
The Prime Minister said the concerns raised by Tuu’u are valid because the government has also been observing the same trend.
He pointed out that there is not enough competition, which is why it is vital to upgrade the Faleolo International Airport.
“We want to open up the doors to international ports but we have to ensure that we have a walkway that once you get out off the plane, you can walk directly to the second floor of the airport, avoiding the rain.
“We want to avoid what happened in the past where we had V.I.Ps that waited for an hour because the workers broke the steps.”
Tuilaepa recalled that because the workers broke the steps, and it also damaged the Air New Zealand aircraft, which ended up returning to New Zealand without any passengers.
He said the service was provided by Polynesian Airlines staff.
“You must understand that we prioritise work for the locals but we can not continue on with this if they continue to offer bad service.
“The government will then have no choice but to ask foreign companies to offer that service.”
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