Samoa Airways has moved to correct what it calls misleading and inaccurate statements recently published in the media.
“We were alarmed by the persistent dissemination of incomplete or inaccurate information pertaining to the airworthiness of the aircraft’” said the release.
A press release from Samoa Airways said such statements are damaging to the reputation of the airline, the shareholder as well as the whole civil aviation system in Samoa.
In recent weeks, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo, the Minister for Public Enterprises which oversees the government owned airline, said the company had failed to fulfill necessary regulations for flying the plane, which has not yet even been certified to fly in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have already fielded queries from our international service providers because of these statements and are concerned that lessors and our international partners may think twice before dealing with Samoa in future,” said the airline.
The airline says these statements were made without context, do not accurately reflect the current state of the airline and directly and unfairly impact the airline’s highly qualified staff.
“Our intention is to safeguard the reputations of the highly competent and qualified staff that are now being tarnished by these statements.”
The airline also stated unequivocally that the team of technical staff at Samoa Airways is amongst the most qualified and experienced in the Pacific.
“Samoa Airways employs Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) that are type-rated (qualified) on the B737-800NG and B737MAX aircraft types and also hold approvals to carry out maintenance and certify the airworthiness of Fiji Airways’ Boeing 737-800 NG and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and provide engineering support to various aircraft that transit through Faleolo.”
According to the airline, in preparation for the introduction of the Samoa Airways B737-800 aircraft, the Engineering team has completed procedural training through its maintenance partner, Heston MRO and will continue to be subject to recurrent and refresher training as required by the regulations.
Samoa Airways also said their pilots are highly qualified and experienced.
They are all subject to a rigorous training program and undergo a competency assessment every six months. They have all displayed a high level of proficiency and professionalism. Many have worked for major airlines such as Emirates, Fiji Airways, and Virgin Australia operating aircraft types such as B777, B787, B767, B737 and others.
“Some have spurned higher salaries elsewhere to offer their services and fly for the national carrier.”
It is still not clear when the plane, which is currently in Brisbane, Australia, will make it to Samoa but the previous government has already committed the airline to a six year lease on the plane from a company in Europe.
