The weekly charter flights from China to Samoa, which were to last four consecutive weeks, have been discontinued.
A press release from the organizers, Travel Focus, said this is to allow their company and their partners to “secure scheduled flights between China and Samoa so as to provide maximum benefits not only for the visitors but the local tourism industry and related services in Samoa.”
It said that Samoan and international civil aviation requirements meant they couldn’t continue with the planned four charters.
Only two charters may operate within a 28-day period, according to the release.
“We are now working with the Samoa Government authorities to secure landing rights for our Scheduled Flights,” said Travel Focus.
This process, which requires international authorization through the Samoa Civil Aviation and International Civil Aviation Organization, takes at least 90-days to review which is why they have postponed the direct flights to resume in September 2023.
“Hosting weekly tour groups is a mammoth undertaking and operation, but one that we firmly believe has and will continue to impact hugely and positively on the Samoan economy,” said the release.
An aircraft from China arrived at Faleolo Airport empty Saturday night and departed the following day with the second group of Chinese tourists, who spent a week in Samoa.
Photo: Samoa Observer
