by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Real Tonga, Tonga’s sole domestic carrier, is planning to expand its services and reach out to its neighboring Pacific Islands come June this year.
The airline is currently operating two aircrafts, a Jetstream 19-seater and a 17-seater 7-12.
It is expecting a 19-seater Jetstream from New Zealand before the end of this month March, to replace Chinese gifted MA60, which was taken by the government after terminating its arrangement with the airline.
Real Tonga CEO, Tevita Palu, said the gap left by MA60 is evident; therefore, the new Jetstream will help to improve and assist the domestic services provided. The craft is expected to commence flying in April, on domestic services.
A long term arrangement is underway, says Palu. The long term arrangement is to bring in a bigger aircraft that will fly to other Pacific Islands while improving its domestic services.
He added more information on the arrangements will be released once they are finalised.
