Samoa Airways has commenced operations this week, relaunching flights from Apia (APW) to Auckland (AKL) and Sydney (SYD) on 14 and 16 November respectively

Formerly known as Polynesian Airlines, the airline was founded in 1959 and had previously operated flights to both of the restarted destinations as well as Wellington, Melbourne, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Nadi, Rarotonga, Papeete, Tongatapu, Niue and Pago Pago. Polynesian’s operation was downsized in 2005 and has been operating intra-island and charter flights for the last 12 years. The 4,324-kilometre, twice-weekly (Thursdays and Saturdays) route to Australia will face direct competition from Virgin Australia Airlines (twice-weekly), while the six times weekly New Zealand sector will encounter market opposition from Air New Zealand (daily). Both services are flown by Samoa Airways’ 186-seat 737-800.
aenna