Pacific / American Samoa

Certification process expected for American Samoan airline

11:46 am on 13 February 2017

The United States Federal Aviation Administration is expected to start the certification process for an American Samoa-based domestic airline.

Photo: 123.rf

Two years ago, the start-up carrier Tausani leased a nine-seater plan owned by the territory's government so it could operate domestic flights in the territory.

The airline's president, Filifaatali Michael Fuiava, said the company is trying to arrange a time for FAA officials to visit Pago Pago to carry out inspections.

An FAA spokesperson said the certification process is expected to begin between June and August, as long as Tausani is prepared to begin that process.

If it takes off, Tausani become the only US carrier to operate domestic flights in the territory.

The Samoa-owned Polynesian Airlines is filling the void currently, although it continues to have to apply for 30-day waivers from the US government.