Aviation news international – The Samoan government is willing to support a fleet replacement program at Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo), according to a report in the Samoa Observer. The Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo, who oversees the carrier, has asked for a plan on how the fleet replacement program might work.
The small state-owned airline has three 19-passenger DHC-6-300s in its fleet, although the oldest, the 49.7-year-old 5W-STF (msn 402), has not operated since 2021 when it was grounded over corrosion issues. The remaining aircraft, 38-year-old 5W-FAW (msn 827) and 43-year-old 5W-FAY (msn 690), are both in service, according to the report and verified by flight tracking ADS-B data. Both aircraft operate the airline’s timetabled flights between Apia and Pago Pago in neighbouring American Samoa.
Samoa Airways Chief Executive Officer Fauo’o Fatu Tielu says the options include stripping and rebuilding the existing aircraft; acquiring updated versions of the same type, namely DHC-6-300-Gs or DHC-6-400; or opting for another aircraft altogether.
He added that the grounded DHC-6-300, only purchased seven years ago, required…
