Tonga government is expected to face Parliament’s Select Committee over concerns about airworthiness of Lulutai’s aircrafts.
The government’s owned national troubled Lulutai airlines had been under the spotlight long enough for the House to unanimously vote in favour of a proposal this week by the Tongatapu 7 MP to investigate the services.
The Select Committee of six MPs had been approved by the Legislative Assembly after mounting concern surrounding the airworthiness of the Lulutai aircraft.
The Committee is responsible for making sure that Lulutai’s works meet levels of transparency and accountability expected by taxpayers.
The inquiry comes after the company’s Y12 aircraft veered off the runway during its take-off run last month.
As Kaniva News reported at the time the aircraft spent 20 minutes trying to take off before it returned to the terminal at Kaufana airport.
Shortly after the Kaufana incident the Y12 plane collides with an aircraft tug after the tow-bar snapped during towing at Fua’amotu hangar prompting cancellations to its flight schedules.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku told a press conference recently that Lulutai’s 34-seater SAAB aircraft had to return to Tongatapu after it struggled to land at the Lupepau’u International Airport.
The Parliament had also been concerned this week over the government’s lack of transparency about its new aircraft which most of the MPs had only became aware of the purchase after Kaniva News reported it last week.
In that report we said the airlines has bought a 19-seat DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter for US$6.5 million including other costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Sāmiu Vaipulu said the new aircraft was part of the government’s move to fix the domestic flight services ongoing issues. He said once these problems are resolved the airlines will be given to a private operator.
New aircraft to leave China
Meanwhile, Kaniva News understands the Lulutai’s new aircraft is expected to leave China heading to Australia for painting and to have its logo designed before heading to Tonga.
The Lulutai airlines chief executive Poasi Tei has confirmed this to Kaniva News this morning. When asked about the new aircraft’s schedules once it leaves China, Tei said they are currently working on it.
The Select Committee six members include the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu and the Hon. Finance Minister from Cabinet, Lord Tu’ivakano and HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili of the Noble’s bench and Tongatapu 5 MP, Dr. ‘Aisake Eke and Piveni Piukala of Tongatapu 7.
The reserve members also include the Hon. Trade Minister Dr. Viliami Latu from Cabinet, Mateni Tapueluelu of Tongatapu 4 constituency from the People’s Bench and Lord Nuku from the Noble’s Table.
