Shortly after noon today a United Airlines Boeing 737 jet with a full load of passengers took off from Pago Pago International Airport.
The jet is enroute to Hagatna, Guam with American Samoa’s dancers, artists, government officials and chaperones to the Festival of Pacific Arts. 
American Samoa has never missed a Pacific Arts Festival which happens every four years and is the biggest gathering of the region, and one that has independent countries and territories participating on equal footing under the auspices of the Pacific Community, formerly the South Pacific Commission.
The main troupe, the Faasao Marist High School Cultural group, numbering about 50, is the first group of high school students to be American Samoa’s ambassadors to the festival of people, arts, culture and food of the Pacific islands.
When the United Airlines jet touched down at Pago Pago International after 10 oclock there was excitement seeing another US passenger airline, on the tarmac.
Earlier in the airport fale, the leader of the Catholic church in the territory, Bishop Peter Brown, led a brief prayer service to ask for God’s guidance on the group going to Guam as well as the tapuaiga or supporters who will be rooting for them and praying for a successful and safe stay in Guam.
Governor Lolo Moliga and several cabinet members were present along with Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga Tasi Asuega and his wife Lagi, Chairman of the Arts Council Board Pagofie Fiaigoa and board member Deacon Sauileone Aigofie who are traveling to Guam.
The students sang hymns and listened to advice from Bishop Brown, Governor Lolo and Pagofie.
They were told that they are special in that they have been chosen to be American Samoa’s ambassadors to this important event. 
They have been prepared by their parents, teachers spiritual advisors and they should always remember that their behavior will influence the perception of American Samoa by the people they meet.
Southseas Broadcasting Inc. news translator, Doug Tuigamala who’s with the group to Guam said that there was no empty seat on the plane.
The Tokelau contingent of over 30 and the Samoan delegation of about 60 are also on the United Airlines charter.
