Real Tonga
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| Founded | 2013 | ||||||
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| Hubs | Fuaʻamotu International Airport | ||||||
| Destinations | 6 | ||||||
| Company slogan | Our Kingdom Airline | ||||||
| Headquarters | Nuku'alofa, Tonga | ||||||
| Key people | Tevita Palu (CEO) | ||||||
| Website | www.realtonga.to | ||||||
Real Tonga, stylised as "REALtonga", is an airline that operates domestic flights within Tonga. It commenced operations in March 2013, becoming the 12th airline to operate domestic flights in Tonga since air services began.
History
Real Tonga commenced operations on 4 March 2013,[1] taking over services previously operated by Chathams Pacific, a subsidiary of New Zealand-based airline Air Chathams. The airline was started up with funding from the owner Tevita Palu, as well as the gifting of several aircraft from China to the Tongan government, including a Xian MA60, which were then leased to Real Tonga.[2] The use of the MA60 generated controversy in both Tonga and New Zealand due the type's safety record, and the New Zealand government issued a travel advisory, warning against air travel in Tonga. As a result of this, tourist numbers dropped, particularly on the outer islands, where the reduction in the number of tourists had a significant impact on the local economy.[3] In June 2014, Real Tonga announced that it had purchased two British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft.[4]
Safety Record
Attempts have been made to verify that the MA60 flown by Real Tonga is safe.
Pilot Rodger McCutcheon says the MA60 is an excellent aeroplane. Ex Air New Zealand Pilots with over 15000 flight hours have offered to re certify the plane.[5] [6]
The chief executive of Samoa Air says he doesn't believe the MA60 aircraft, gifted to Tonga by China, is a significant safety issue. [7]
However, on March 6 of 2015, the airline decided to ground and return the MA60 turboprop, due to pressure from the New Zealand government. By doing this, the Pacific island nation triggered a release of NZ$10 million in aid to it.[8] A 68-seater ATR 72-600 was leased from Fiji Airways to operate a number of charter flights.[9]
Destinations
| Destination | IATA | ICAO | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Eua | EUA | NFTE | 'Eua Airport |
| Ha'apai | HPA | NFTL | Salote Pilolevu Airport |
| Niuafo'ou | NFO | NFTO | Niuafoʻou Airport |
| Niuatoputapu | NTT | NFTP | Niuatoputapu Airport |
| Tongatapu | TBU | NFTF | Fuaʻamotu International Airport [Base] |
| Vava'u | VAV | NFTV | Vava'u International Airport |
References
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