Polynesian Airlines Seeks Another 30-day Waiver to Manu’a

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Polynesian Airlines is again seeking approval from the US Department of Transportation to continue air service to Manu’a.

Since 2014, the federal agency has been granting 30-day cabotage waiver to the Samoa carrier to fly to Manu’a.

The latest approval expires at the end of this month and Polynesian is requesting an extension through to May 23.

In a letter to DOT this week, Polynesian attorney Charles Donley said the Pago Pago-Manu’a Islands route continues to be without U.S. carrier service and is likely to remain so indefinitely.

He said Polynesian remains the only air carrier able to provide much needed transportation between the two points, thus preventing severe hardship to American Samoa residents who would otherwise be required to travel between the islands by boat.

Donley said there is a clear need for continued cabotage service for an additional thirty days, particularly as the holiday season approaches.

He said their request for a waiver is supported by the American Samoa Government, which has previously submitted letters confirming the need for Polynesian’s service.

A bill that Congresswoman Aumua Amata, in conjunction with Assistant Secretary of Interior Esther Kia’aina, has introduced in Congress would authorize Polynesian Airlines or other foreign carriers to fly between Tutuila and Manu’a on a long term basis.

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