Airport Manager Tavita Fuimaono said a flight to Ofu Airport last week by a plane owned by Pacific Air Charters Inc. was cleared by Port Administration.
The Manu’atele Community Worldwide Facebook page showed a photo of the aircraft at Ofu Airport, and a caption raised concern about private planes entering and exiting Manu’a without security oversight or communication.
The CEO of Pacific Air Charters Inc., Marshall Ashley, responded to questions by KHJ News, saying the plane was rented to a family that wanted to view the National Park in Manu’a.
“Visiting the national park is the reason why they came to American Samoa,” he said, adding that the family had a member who was a pilot, and he operated the flight.
Airport Manager Fuimaono said the company provided the airport with the flight information before the flight to Ofu Airport last Thursday.
“It wasn’t done in secret,” he said.
KHJ News asked CEO Ashley about the status of their plans to offer charter services in American Samoa. He said they’re working with the Federal Aviation Administration to extend their services to American Samoa. FAA has given approval for the company to operate charters in Hawaii and is awaiting approval to operate charter flights in American Samoa. At the same time, it is applying to operate scheduled air service in the territory.
Pacific Air Charters Inc. is a family-owned company whose main principals are businessman Papalii Laulii Alofa and his wife, Leota Wanda Alofa.
Photo: Manuatele Community Worldwide FB Page
