FLEET - Samoa Airways completes second Twin Otter overhaul

 Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo) has taken back DHC-6-300 5W-FAY (msn 690) following a complete overhaul and refurbishment by Unity Aviation, the airline said in a Samoan government press release published on July 21, 2026.

"The refurbishment included major structural repairs and upgrades to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and passenger comfort," the airline said. Work began in September 2025 and is expected to extend the aircraft's operational life by around 30 years.

According to ADS-B data, 5W-FAY was ferried from Calgary to Apia Faleolo between July 1 and 7, 2026, stopping at several airports, including Boise, Santa Maria, CA, Kiritimati, and Hilo. Samoa Airways inaugurated the aircraft on July 17 and returned it to service four days later.

The overhauls of 5W-FAY, and 5W-FAW (msn 827), cost approximately WST22 million tala (USD8 million), according to the release, and were funded entirely from Samoa Airways' revenues without borrowing.

Built in 1980 and acquired by Samoa Airways in 1998, 5W-FAY is the second of the airline's Twin Otters to complete the programme. The younger 5W-FAW returned from Canada in March 2025. Samoa Airways also operates the older 5W-STF (msn 402), bringing its overall fleet to three aircraft.

The airline's published schedule lists services between Apia Fagali'i and Pago Pago, as well as from Pago Pago to Fitiuta and Ofu in American Samoa.

CH Aviation