Director of Commerce Keniseli Lafaele expects that before the end of the year, Inter Island Airways should be taking delivery of its aircraft that will fly between Tutuila and Manu’a.
ASG has invested $400,000 from the State Small Business Credit Initiative in the airline. In February of last year, Governor Lolo Moliga signed off on the document authorizing payment of $400,000 for the airline which is owned by the Sene Family.
During review of DOC’s Fiscal year 2020 budget yesterday Senator Sauitufuga Pita Suiaunoa asked Lafaele about the status of the airline.
The director said in his latest conversation with the head of the airline, he reported that they are close to concluding negotiations with the US finance company that will fund the airline’s new aircraft. Lafaele said the cost of the aircraft is $10 million.
He told lawmakers that before the end of the year, he expected that the negotiations will be concluded and the aircraft will arrive in the territory at which time the airline will begin service.
Manu’a Representative Vesi Talalelei Fautanu had also inquired about the status of Inter Island Airways’ service to Manu’a during the budget hearing for the American Smaoa Visitors Bureau.
Vesi said its been going on two years and no one knows if the airline has bought an aircraft and when it plans to start service.
He said since the government has invested $400,000 from the SSBCI program in the airline, ASG should be liaising with the company so that its kept abreast of the airline’s progress.
Regarding the Industrial Park. Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui asked Director Lafaele if DOC has allowed people to reside at the Industrial Park.
The director responded no.
Fetu seemed to think that there were people living at the lots at the Industrial Park and he advised Lafaele to check on this and remove anyone living there now.
The Vice Speaker also asked about the leasing of land at the Industrial Park.
He said he’s been requesting a lot to lease but hasn’t been successful. He said DOC gives the lots to others but he’s been trying without success.
The Director said he wasn’t aware of a request for a lease from the vice speaker.
He gave his word that if there is a written request for a lease he will review it.
