One of Talofa Airways Twin Commander aircraft Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Apia-based Talofa Airways has told US federal officials that it hasn't started its American Samoa's domestic service because it's still waiting to get the required local approvals from the American Samoa Government.
The airline is asking the Department of Transportation to renew its federal exemption to operate flights in the territory for an additional 180-days.
Talofa Airways last got an exemption in October, but for just 30 days.
Talofa said while it had planned to initiate service at the end of October, it had not yet been able to base aircraft and crew in Pago Pago due to the American Samoa Government's restrictions related to the Covid-19 emergency.
At the moment the only domestic air service in American Samoa is provided by Samoa Airways.