Samoa Airways reports that one of its aircraft sustained damage on the first day of flights from Fagali’i Airport.
Samoa Global News, quotes Samoa Airways Interim Chief Executive Officer, Fauoo Fatu Tielu, saying aircraft tires sustained damage due to uneven tar sealed surface on the runway.
He said some airline pilots have spoken of safety worries at using the airport.
Among their concerns is the short runway at Fagali’i.
All these, according to the CEO, will cause stress to the planes during landing which will increase maintenance work.
And maintenance can only be done at Faleolo.
Fauoo said pilots are also concerned about electricity poles and a Digicel tower west of the runway, which is a factor when they approach for landing.
The interim CEO said the change to Fagali’i Airport is proving costly with plane maintenance and moving staff from airport to airport.
He explained they have to move staff to Faleolo after dark so they can continue flights at night.
All these costs incurred for operating out of Fagali’i, according to Fauoo, will most certainly see an increase in airfares in the future.
