Real Tonga
 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Founded | 2013 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubs | Fuaʻamotu International Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 2 | ||||||
| Destinations | 6 | ||||||
| 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 from Australia.[4]
Safety Record
Attempts have been made to verify that the MA60 flown by Real Tonga is safe. Pilot Rodger McCutcheon said the MA60 is an excellent aeroplane. Ex-Air New Zealand pilots with over 15000 flight hours have offered to recertify the plane.[5]
[6]The chief executive of Samoa Air added that he didn'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 |
Fleet
The Real Tonga fleet comprises the following aircraft (as of August 2016):[10]
| Aircraft | In Fleet |
Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saab 340B Plus | 1 | — | ||
| Xian MA-60 | 1 | — | ||
| Harbin Y12 | 1 | — | ||
| Total | 3 | |||
References
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223304/http://pidp.org/archive/2013/January/01-25-04.htm. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Delegation reassures stakeholders of Real Tonga airlines | Pacific Islands". Pacifictradeinvest.com. 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122247/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2013/10/pacific-update/tourism-operators-suffer-as-ma60-debate-drags-on/. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Tonga dumps MA60 | Radio New Zealand News". Radionz.co.nz. 2014-06-11. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ "New Zealand pilot says China may wade into NZ-Tonga dispute | Dateline Pacific, 3:03 pm on 15 May 2014 | Radio New Zealand". Radionz.co.nz. 2014-05-15. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ "NZ pilot says Tongan plane safe, and NZ should approve | Radio New Zealand News". Radionz.co.nz. 2014-05-14. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ "Tonga validation team member says aircraft not a major safety concern | Radio New Zealand News". Radionz.co.nz. 2013-09-16. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ Moores, Victoria (2015-03-06). "Real Tonga rejects MA60, secures aid | Airframes content from". ATWOnline.com. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
- ^ Paylor, Anne (16 April 2015). "Real Tonga leases Fiji Airways ATR 72 to plug MA60 capacity gap". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015.
- ^ "Global Airline Guide 2016 (Part Two)". Airliner World (November 2016): 34.
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