Lulutai Airlines has issued an announcement that the new de Havilland Twin Otter airplane recently bought by the company is now repaired and ready for flight services this week.
Lulutai Airlines’ newest Twin Otter aircraft has been grounded due to safety concerns from passengers, leading to frustration and a lack of reliable air transport options in Tonga.
The grounding of the Twin Otter comes after a previous incident involving the airline’s Saab 340, which experienced a nose gear collapse at Fuaʻamotu International Airport.
Lulutai Airlines has struggled to meet the high demand and expand capacity during the busy Christmas season.
But things look more hopeful for the airline this week. “Lulutai Airlines is happy to announce the continuation of Twin Otter aircraft effective today. Joining the Y12, the Twin Otter will once again provide vital services in connecting passengers throughout Tonga,” said a press release from Lulutai Airlines.
Tonga’s only domestic airlines apologized “for the inconvenience caused to our passengers since last week” and pledged that “the safety of our passengers and aircraft will remain our priority.”
The purchase of the Twin Otter plane raised questions by critics as to where the money for the purchase came from, considering Lulutai Airines was not in a financial position to do so.
Reports alleged the loan for the controversial purchase was from the National Retirement Fund, raising more questions whether there are conflicts of interest. Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku is the chairman of the National Retirement Fund Board, and he is also the Chairman of the Board of Lulutai Airlines.
The controversial purchase of the airplane came when the airline was at a standstill due to the breakdown of its Saab 340 plane. Earlier in the year the smaller Y12 plane had mechanical problems, and was grounded for a while.
But Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku is on record saying that a milestone had been achieved with the delivery of the Twin Otter. “This new aircraft is a much-needed boost to our current fleet and will help us keep families, communities, tourism operators and businesses connected.”
The Government of Australia provided AUD1.25 million to support the entry into service of the aircraft. In line with Lulutai’s plans, the funds went towards transporting the aircraft, training pilots and engineers, spare parts, upgrading radios and avionics.
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore said Australia is proud to partner with the Kingdom of Tonga to support Lulutai Airlines achieve reliable, sustainable, and safe domestic connectivity.
“Reliable domestic air travel remains essential to Tonga’s economic recovery, development and tourism.” Australia has been providing support to Lulutai Airlines since mid-2022 and to date has supported critical training for pilots and engineers, a wet-lease arrangement with Fiji Airways to operate regular flights while their fleet was grounded for maintenance, as well as regional cooperation and collaboration with other Pacific Island airlines.