All Samoan citizens both local and living abroad will soon be able to purchase shares in the country’s national airline with investments starting at an inclusive $500 tala. Samoa Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt reconfirmed the Government’s plans at his weekly press conference on Friday.
The initiative which originated as a campaign proposal by the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) political party, will be structured as an investment opportunity – for citizens to invest as shareholders, not just contribute to a general fund.
During the campaign trail Laaulialemalietoa had given the example that if 100,000 Samoans invested $500 tala that would raise $50 million tala and allow citizens to take pride in Samoa’s national airline as shareholders.
The total global population of Samoan people is estimated to be around 700,000-800,000 with more than half a million living outside Samoa.
New Zealand has over 220,000 Samoans while the US is home to over 240,000 people of Samoan descent including those with partial ancestry, and Australia has an estimated 98,000.
The Prime Minister says the Government is actively moving ahead with plans to buy new jets for Samoa Airways and restore international routes by the end of 2026.
There has been significant interest from citizens voicing their willingness to commit financial support and become shareholders.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet has established a special committee to set out the logistics of the investment plan.
Organisations such as UTOS with existing infrastructure to offer citizen investments will most likely be used, said the Prime Minister, adding that SIFA was another option being explored.
The Prime Minister said Government will be taking a careful, data-driven and evidence-based approach to ensure the airline will be run profitably and not repeat the financial failures of the past.
In just three years, Samoa Airways under a new Board and Manager made a dramatic financial turnaround, declaring a provisional profit after tax of $11 million tala for the year.
In August 2025 the state-owned airline declared and presented a $1 million tala dividend to the Government of Samoa for the year ending 30 June 2025.
In the meantime Samoa Airways has issued warnings about fake online scams using the airline’s name and offering “subsidy gifts,”. The public are warned to stay clear of scams.
The only legitimate discussion involves the potential shareholder investment initiative which the Prime Minister will announce in due course.
3 in 1 Christmas 🎄 Deals!
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