Lulutai Airlines (L8, Tongatapu) has wet leased a Saab 340B from Air Chathams (3C, Chatham Island) for three months. ZK-CIZ (msn 340B-357) ferried to Tongatapu from Auckland International on July 16 and should begin revenue flights for Lulutai this week.
Lulutai CEO Poasi Tei told Tonga's Matangi News that the additional aircraft means the carrier is now well-positioned to accommodate a significant rise in domestic travel expected during the upcoming peak season. Tonga is hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August, and the 2024 whale-watching season runs from July to October. "This commitment ensures we can continue to provide our valued customers with exceptional service and reliable connections throughout Tonga,” said Tei.
Air Chathams acquired the 30.5-year-old aircraft from Skydive Guam in early 2018 and normally deploys it on scheduled services within New Zealand. Air Chathams COO Duane Emeny said he was happy to support Lulutai: "We wish to acknowledge the proactive support of the Tongan Government and the Tongan Civil Aviation Department for making this lease operation possible.”
The Australian government also stepped in with funding assistance. Air Chathams has sent three pilots, two cabin crew, and one engineer to Tonga along with the aircraft, the carrier told ch-aviation.
Lulutai normally operates two aircraft, a DHC-6-400 and a Saab 340B(Plus). However, the Saab (Sweden) was taken out of service in December 2023 after striking a cement block during a runway excursion event while taxiing at Tongatapu. Safety investigators are yet to give it the all clear to return to service.
State-owned Lulutai Airlines is Tonga's only scheduled carrier. Its schedule includes flights between the country's main airport at Tongatapu and Ha'apai, Eua, Niuatoputapu, and Vava'u.
