Summary
- Lulutai Airlines’ newest Twin Otter aircraft has been grounded as a result of safety concerns from passengers, resulting in frustration and an absence of reliable air transport options in Tonga.
- The grounding of the Twin Otter comes after a previous incident involving the airline’s Saab 340, which experienced a nose gear collapse at Fuaʻamotu International Airport.
- Lulutai Airlines has struggled to fulfill the high demand and expand capability through the busy Christmas season.
As a result of safety concerns from passengers, the Kingdom of Tonga’s Lulutai Airlines has reportedly needed to ground its newest Twin Otter aircraft. Media outlet claimed that mechanics had been called in to survey the aircraft. When the plane landed, some passengers were forced to take interisland ferries throughout the dominion’s 171 islands.
With the Twin Otter grounded, passengers are getting increasingly frustrated as a result of the Polynesian island nation’s lack of reliable air transport, given the recent investigation into the airline’s Saab 340 incident on the nation’s predominant airport last yr. Lulutai Airlines’ Saab 340 experienced a nose gear collapse when the aircraft slid off the runway and collided with a low concrete constructing at Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU).
A Twin Otter for Tonga
Technical issues with other Lulutai aircraft and high demand for domestic connectivity led the Tongan carrier to receive a Twin Otter last yr, with aid from the Australian government. This included pilot training and wet lease agreements. Maintaining with the high demand through the busy Christmas rush, the airline has struggled to lease or buy more aircraft to expand its capability.
Having the Saab 340 out of motion after its recent incident, the Twin Otter was in a position to provide all interisland services between Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and the Niuas. The chairman of the airline’s board, who can also be the country’s Prime Minister, emphasized the aircraft was being flown as much as 16 hours a day.