A 39.6-year-old DHC-6-300 belonging to Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo) has returned to the country following a WST10 million tala (USD3.6 million) refurbishment. 5W-FAW (msn 827) was welcomed by Samoa's acting prime minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, on March 14, 2025.
The state-owned airline has contracted with Unity Aviation Canada to overhaul its three ageing Twin Otters. 5W-FAW, the youngest of the trio, was the first to ferry to Canada for the work. It was anticipated the overhaul would take seven months and cost WST7 million (USD2.5 million). In the end, the work took nine months and involved a 43% cost overrun. The refurbishment involved repainting, a new interior, and an engine overhaul, among other things.is the youngest in the fleet.
"Two main factors contributed to these revisions," said Ponifasio. "Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Canada, a thorough inspection uncovered the need for additional parts and more extensive work than initially expected. These adjustments were essential to ensure the aircraft met the highest safety and performance standards. While these changes led to increased costs and time, they were imperative in restoring the aircraft to optimal condition."
The acting PM noted that Samoa Airways paid for the overhaul from its own revenues. The airline aims to have the second DHC-6-300 overhauled later this year and work on the third done in 2026. 5W-FAY (msn 690) is 44.9 years old and 5W-STF (msn 402) is 51.1 years old, and both are currently in service, operating mainly between Apia Fagali'i and Pago Pago in American Samoa. The airline also flies between Pago Pago and Fitiuta and Ofu - both routes within American Samoa.
Samoa Airways has no other aircraft besides the three Twin Otters.
