New Real Tonga airline flight services between Tonga and Auckland are set to be launched next month or July, a reliable source has told Kaniva news.
It is understood that the national airliner has leased an aircraft from Nauru Airlines for its international services, which will fly two times a week.
Nauru Airlines currently operates five Boeing 737-300s.
Fiji Airways flies a Boeing 737-800, which has a longer range, from Nadi to Fuaʻamotu International Airport. Virgin Australia flies a Boeing 737-800 from Sydney and Auckland.
The services were planned to include flight services between Tonga, Fiji and Auckland
It is understood the Real Tonga has opened an office in Ōtāhuhu, New Zealand.
It is also understood Real Tonga staff and flight attendants are being trained in Queensland for the launch.
A meeting was conducted in Brisbane in November last year between Real Tonga Director Tēvita Palu, Nauru airline managers and Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
It is not clear when exactly in June the flight services will begin.
However, it is believed Real Tonga has considered launching its services before the Mate Ma’a Tonga clash with New Zealand on June 22.
Real Tonga has been contacted for comment.
Last year airline Fly Niu, which has not operated since 2004, tried to partner with the Tongan government to launch international flights between Auckland and Tonga.
The airline’s founder and owner, ‘Atu Fīnau, met with Hon. Pōhiva to present his idea for the resumption of operations. Finau said Fly Niu would initially operate with two as of yet unspecified aircraft. He claimed to have access to aircraft from Iceland and Canada.
Finau said he had not received a formal response from the government regarding his proposal, but was recently told the government has supported the Real Tonga airline proposal.
He said he was considering another option.
The main points
- New Real Tonga airline flight services between Tonga and Auckland are set to be launched next month, a reliable source has told Kaniva news.
- It is understood The national airliner has leased an aircraft from Nauru Airlines for its international services, which will fly two times a week.
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