Virgin Australia looks likely to be spreading its wings over Samoa’s skies once again despite uncertainties caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Samoa Observer reports that the Ministry of Transport Chief Executive, Magele Hoe Viali, confirmed the airline had recently applied to renew its license.
Magele said Virgin has always operated flights between Australia and Samoa but stopped in the wake of coronavirus and border closures worldwide.
“They have requested to be re-issued with an Air Service License (A.S.L.) to operate flights Australia-Samoa-Australia, but will not be able to commence due to our border restrictions.”
Magele also confirmed that the Ministry issued a Foreign Air Operator Certificate to the airline in 2020 but its Air Service License expired last year and Virgin had recently applied to renew it.
Meanwhile the airline still faces COVID-19 related air travel restrictions in Australia.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports the Christmas holidays in that country have coincided with the rapid spread of the Omicron Coronavirus variant and airlines around the country have been forced to cancel flights with pilots and cabin crew needing to isolate themselves.
