Business

Samoa can Expect Two New Aircrafts for International Routes before the End of 2026

November 19, 2025

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The election promise for Samoa Airways to procure its own aircrafts is in the pipeline and set to become a reality before the end of 2026. Prime Minister Honorable Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt says Samoa can expect two new aircrafts for the national airline before in the coming year.

The welcomed announcement was made by the Prime Minister in his first press conference with local media since his return from New Zealand.

The Prime Minister said the type of aircrafts would be widely consulted and considered to ensure the best option for Samoa.

Laaulialemalietoa added that while he was in Auckland, he met with four senior Samoan pilots including veteran Captain Eti Laulala, and sought their advice.

“I now have their written submission which will be passed on to the Minister [of Transport] and to the Board of Samoa Airways to consider..”

“We won’t be making these decisions blindly anymore,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the pilots have identified the aircraft model best suited for Samoa.

“The advice from pilots takes into account fuel sufficient options with low consumption,” said the Prime Minister. “Maintenance costs have also been taken into account.”

The Prime Minister said he had also pleaded with the Samoan pilots to return to Samoa and serve through the national airline.

Laaulialemalietoa says Government will be taking a cautionary approach to ensure decisions are based on well established data.

The two new aircrafts will service the well-travelled routes of Apia to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for New Zealand, and Apia-Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane for Australia, and the Apia-Honolulu-Los Angeles routes.

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Since the closure of Samoa Airways International routes, Samoans have been forced to fly Air New Zealand and Qantas on these popular routes, at ridiculously high airfares of between $2000 to $3000 tala return – arguably one of the most expensive routes in the world for a 3.5 hour flight.

Laaulialemalietoa had campaigned on an initiative to procure aircrafts by opening the opportunity for Samoans to invest in shares of $500 tala.

The Prime Minister said many diaspora had approached him during his 8-week stay in New Zealand to personally convey their keen interest to become Samoa Airways shareholders.

Leota Marc Membrere of Government Press Secretariat has contributions in this article.