In a rare sight, aircraft parts are being meticulously disassembled at
Unity Aviation Canada warehouse, where one of Samoa National Carrier’s three Twin Otters is
undergoing a comprehensive makeover.
The retrofit project, funded by Samoa Airways and loan financing, represents a significant
investment that promises a high return, given the extensive mechanical and engineering tasks being
carried out by Unity Aviation Canada Ltd while the aircraft is in Canada,
stated Fauoo Taua Fatu Tielu, CEO of Samoa Airways.
The aircraft, registered under Samoa Airways as 5W-FAW, is now under the care of Unity Aviation
Canada Ltd. This week, the crew has commenced the disassembly process, preparing for paint and
stripping inspections, Fauoo mentioned. The Unity crew has already removed the engines, props,
flight controls, wings, H/Stab, V/Stab, rudder, elevators, interior, and avionics. Currently, the fuel
system is being dismantled, and the wings are undergoing paint stripping.
This marks an exciting milestone for Samoa Airways as we embark on this retrofit project to
enhance safety and reliability for our passengers, stated Fauo’o, CEO of Samoa. Two pilots from
Planes and Parts Ltd, a Canadian company contracted by Samoa Airways to fly the aircraft to
Calgary, were in Apia last month, collaborating with Samoa Airways engineers and staff to prepare
the aircraft for its journey to Canada. With three additional fuel tanks installed inside the aircraft,
the flight took 15 hours directly from Faleolo to Hilo Hawaii, where the crew rested before
continuing on to Canada. The aircraft is expected to return in November, just in time for the busy
Christmas season. The next twin otter aircraft is expected to be ferried to Canada next year around
February or March 2025.