Peau Vavaʻu
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| Founded | May 27, 2004 | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | June 6, 2004 | ||||||
| Ceased operations | November 2007 | ||||||
| Operating bases | Fua'amotu International Airport | ||||||
| Hubs | |||||||
| Headquarters | Nukuʻalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga | ||||||
| Key people |
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Peau Vavaʻu Ltd was an airline based at the Pacific Royale Hotel in Nukuʻalofa, Tongatapu, Tonga.[1] It operated domestic services. Its main base is Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tongatapu, with hubs at Lifuka Island Airport and Vavaʻu International Airport.[2]
Code data
History
Peau Vavaʻu's office opened for operations on 27 May 2004 with Chairman of the Board and 50% owner, the former HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a, who became George Tupou V, and Director Mr Joseph Ramanlal, also a 50% owner. Secretary to the board is Mr Soane Ramanlal who is also the CEO of Tonga's Shoreline Companies Limited.[3]
The first flight took place on 9 June 2004, with a Douglas DC-3 leased from Pionair Adventure Ltd (Christchurch, New Zealand). Pionair Adventures Ltd acquired an FAOC (Foreign Air Operator Certificate) to operate the DC-3. A second DC-3 arrived by Christmas 2004, when Peau Vavaʻu purchased both DC-3s from Pionair Adventures Limited. At this time Peau Vavaʻu sought to upgrade its fleet, and negotiations began with Reef Air NZ, and Convair operations commenced, flying to Vavaʻu and Haʻapai from 3 May 2005. The Convair was owned by Air Chathams of New Zealand, which Reef Air leases, and Peau Vavaʻu Limited subleases.[3]
Flights were temporarily suspended in November 2006 when their corporate headquarters were destroyed by fire. Flights were planned to resume on 14 May 2007.[4]
Peau Vava’u (owned by the King of Tonga) was previously provided with the only domestic operating license after the bankruptcy of the former carrier Royal Tongan Airlines. The airline operating license was issued to Peau Vava’u after the Tongan cabinet (selected by the King) was given instruction to ensure to make a “one domestic airline policy” was passed in the parliament. Soon thereafter it was awarded to the Kings airline and saw the removal of its competition airline Fly Niu.
After fire destroyed one of its offices, the Peau Vava’u flights were put on hold. Eventually the Ministry of Aviation granted additional licenses to other carriers. Peau Vava’u never flew again and its license was eventually revoked.
Destinations
Peau Vavaʻu operated scheduled flights to Tongatapu, Haʻapai, and Vavaʻu.[5]
Fleet
The Peau Vavaʻu fleet included the following aircraft:[3]
- BAe Jetstream 41 [2]
- Beechcraft Queen Air
- Douglas DC-3 among the last DC-3 in regular scheduled service worldwide
External links
- Peau Vava'u (Archive)
References
- ^ "Contact Information for Peau Vavaʻu." Peau Vavaʻu. June 12, 2007. Retrieved on January 20, 2011. "Peau Vava'u Limited Pacific Royale Hotel Taufa'ahau Road Nuku'alofa Kingdom of Tonga"
- ^ a b c d "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 10 April 2007. p. 62.
- ^ a b c Peau Vava'u History (website)
- ^ Peau Vav'u News (website)
- ^ Peau Vavaʻu Schedules (website)