Polynesian Airlines was down to one aircraft for most of last week at the most inopportune time when flights were fully booked with passengers headed to Samoa for the Independence celebrations.
It was only yesterday that the airline was able to return to its normal schedule with two Twin Otters flying.
Passengers affected by the delays included the Leone village group which entertained at the Independence Day celebration, the official ASG delegation to the celebration and the American Samoa reps to the Joint Samoa Economic Integration talks.
Local Manager for Polynesian Airlines Toe Loia said one aircraft developed a mechanical problem and needed a part which had to be flown in for repairs.
The airline has three Twin Otters however one was undergoing scheduled maintenance which left only one aircraft to carry the load.
Loia says flights were delayed and for Wednesday,Thursday and Friday of last week, flights continued past 10 pm.
The last flight from Tafuna to Faleolo Friday was way past midnight.
Flights to Manu’a were also affected and Loia said there was a make up flight to Manu’a on Saturday.
The plane that was down resumed flying yesterday, and the flight schedule is back to normal.
