More information about the new airline that will be starting up in the territory is revealed in a press release from the CEO of the local operation, Marshall Ashley.
KHJ News sent Ashley questions about their planned service, start up date, staffing, and their plans for refueling the aircraft they will be using, as the type of fuel these planes use are not now available in the territory.
Pacific Air Charters, Inc. has operated in Hawaii for 20 years, offering on-demand charter flights, sightseeing tours, and special mission contracts with military and other government agencies. PACI is now expanding its services in Hawaii. Services will also be offered in American Samoa under the brand name Pago Wings.
Businessman Papali’i Laulii Alofa is an owner of the local operation.
PACI has purchase two brand-new nine-passenger Tecnam Travellers direct from the factory in Italy for use in American Samoa; at least two additional Travellers will be leased for use in Hawaii.
“In American Samoa, we will initially offer on-demand charter and cargo flights, air ambulance service and, possibly, sight-seeing tours for cruise-ship passengers. While we intend to eventually add scheduled service to both Manu’a and Samoa, it is not possible to say when that could happen.”
Ashley said, “One of the major challenges we face is fuel. Our aircraft use 100 octane low-lead gasoline, which the FAA describes as “the most common and reliable type of avgas”. Because this fuel is not available in American Samoa, we must find a supplier, purchase storage tanks, purchase a delivery truck, develop safe fueling procedures, and train personnel. We currently expect our fuel to be delivered in mid-August; we should be able to commence operations shortly after that.”
Once the airline begins operations in American Samoa, it plans to employ six to ten people, including at least two pilots.
“We expect to eventually employ fifteen to twenty in American Samoa and will employ qualified local people, if they are available. Some local pilots have expressed interest; local pilots that are employed will be sent to Hawaii for training on our Tecnam aircraft,” said Ashley.
“In addition to the airline itself, we intend to develop an aviation mechanic training program, together with DOE and ASCC. This program will provide the training needed to get well-paid jobs in the aviation industry, whether in American Samoa or anywhere in the world.”
