The New Zealand government is loaning the Samoa government a container loading machine to address ground handling equipment failures at the Faleolo International Airport.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo confirmed the loader will arrive in Apia by ship on 15 November and government has been approached to waive duties on the gift which will be returned when new equipment arrive from Spain next year.
Samoa Observer says Samoa Airways currently provides ground handling services for Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways, but there have been ongoing issues with faulty equipment forcing some flights to leave luggage behind.
Leatinuu said the two faulty loading machines at the airport are working again and will help with loading luggage containers on wide bodied aircraft along with the loaned equipment from New Zealand.
“New Zealand has also advised that there is no restriction to use the machine just for Air New Zealand meaning we can use it for other airlines that need the container loader,” said the Minister.
