A Samoa Airway’s Twin Otter aircraft was welcomed back after being retrofitted and a total overhaul in Canada.
Samoa Observer reports it is the first of four company aircraft that will undergo the same process.
The plane was welcomed back in an official ceremony at the Samoa Airways hangar starting with a blessing ceremony.
The aircraft, registered under Samoa Airways as 5W-FAW, was under the care of Unity Aviation Canada Ltd. which replaced the engines, props, flight controls, wings, H/Stab, V/Stab, rudder, elevators, interior, and avionics.
Two pilots from Planes and Parts Ltd., a Canadian company contracted by Samoa Airways flew the aircraft to Calgary, stopping in Hawaii and again flew the plane back.
Three additional fuel tanks were installed inside the aircraft for the marathon 15-hour flight directly from Faleolo to Hilo Hawaii, where the crew rested before continuing to Canada.
The chief executive officer of Samoa Airways Fauo’o Fatu Tielu said this marks an exciting milestone for Samoa Airways as it would enhance safety and reliability of the plane for passengers.
Retrofitting is the cheaper option for the airline as there is still reluctance by the government to invest in new aircraft or lease bigger ones.
Photo: Samoa Airways.
