The South Pacific kingdom of Tonga is looking for ways to restore air service after the collapse of its flag carrier, Royal Tongan Airlines. The government-owned airline lost all international operations in April when the lessor repossessed its only jet aircraft, a Boeing 757. A month later Royal Tongan was also forced to ground all domestic operations because it lacked funds needed for repairs on its two turboprops. Air New Zealand and Polynesian Airlines have continued to operate scheduled flights to Tonga's capital at Nuku'alofa on its main island. But domestic air services to other islands, including the tourist destination of Vava'u, have stopped. Aviation director Viliami Maake says the government plans to appoint an administrator, who will seek to sell the defunct airline to a private buyer or liquidate it. Two private start-ups have launched interim domestic flights with a Bombardier Dash 8 and a Douglas DC-3.
Source: Airline Business
