Pago Wings (Pago Pago) is under scrutiny over an alleged failure to pay excise tax on its aircraft. The start-up, which is yet to begin revenue operations, allegedly ignored a 2023 tax notice concerning the importation of a Tecnam P2012 registered as N1202P (msn 056/US).
According to The Samoa Observer, Malemo Tausaga, the American Samoa Government treasurer, made the admission earlier this month during the Third Regular Session of the 38th Legislature. Tausaga advised the Legislature that Pago Wings was obliged to pay excise tax on N1202P upon its arrival but did not do so. FlightRadar24 ADS-B data shows the aircraft ferrying to Pago Pago on September 29, 2023.
The treasurer was reportedly asked by other legislature members why the aircraft was released if no payment had been made. He said it was common practice for Customs to release items if the importer made payment plan arrangements, although there is no legal framework to allow this practice.
Pago Wings conducted a series of test flights earlier this month in anticipation of commencing charters ahead of securing the appropriate certification to begin scheduled passenger flights.
Another politician, Senator Magalei Logovii, told the Legislature he was informed that Pago Wings had failed to secure the necessary customs clearance in Hawaii before flying the Tecnam to American Samoa and that it arrived in the US territory without the required FAA documentation. ch-aviation does not say this is true, only that the allegation is made. Logovii also said local customs agents attempted to block the release of the aircraft pending payment of the excise tax but were overruled.
FAA records indicate that N1202P is registered to Paramount Builders Inc, a Pago Pago-based construction business owned and operated by Papali’i Laulii Alofa. Paramount holds registrations for two more Tecnam P2012s, N1203P (msn 057/US) and N1214P (msn 061/US), with both aircraft yet to ferry into American Samoa. N1203P is known to be at Honolulu. Pago Wings will operate under the control of Part 135 air carrier Pacific Air Charters (Honolulu).
