The newspaper published an Editorial on several topics, including the airlines new aircraft, its lease cost and
continued its claims of a $300 million loss during the airlines past operations.
It is a shame that the paper continues to be content with publishing news that lacks credibility, unverifiable
facts, and a lack of understanding of the aviation industry.
The newspaper seems content to perpetuate misleading, one-sided stories that grossly undermines the ethics
of good journalism.
Samoa Airways response is set out below. The airline did not refuse to comment as mentioned by the paper
but however stated that the airline would provide a press release once negotiations on the aircraft lease was
complete.
 The aircraft is currently located in the Netherlands.
 The Lease is still under negotiation with the Lessor and information surrounding the agreement
cannot be divulged due its confidentiality. It would be reckless and damaging to do so. . The airline
would be able to release more information once an agreement is signed
 The airline confirms there are no payments for the aircraft while it sits on the ground in the
Netherlands
 The aircraft will be used to support repatriation flights from NZ, Australia, Fiji, and other
destinations to ensure we get our people home.
 The aircraft will also support much needed freighter flights and medevac services for our people. In
addition, the airline would be able to provide charter support to neighboring countries who are at the
mercy of larger carriers when trying to seek support for their own people.
 The airline Management and Staff have been working under very trying circumstances with COVID,
sacrificing financially and personal time to secure this aircraft.
 The newspaper continues to report misleading information of a $300 million tala debt. The actual
amount was much less, and these debts were settled by the Government at that time.

The airline continues to work towards securing an aircraft and like everyone; looks forward to when
things do return to some level of normalcy. Once the aircraft arrives it will be used to support the people
of Samoa through repatriation flights, freighter flights, medevac flights, and charter flights as and when
required. These would be done at reasonable rates that will benefit our people and our country.