TONGA: NZ airline takes over domestic service

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Updated February 22, 2008 08:58:51

Tonga is about to get a new domestic air service which will replace the troubled Pe'au Vava'u airline. The country's Minister of Transport, Paul Karalus, says Air Chathams is expected to start flying between Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u in April. Pe'au Vava'u, which was owned by the King, has been out of service since its office was burned down in the 2006 riots, which destroyed much of the central business area of the capital, Nuku'alofa. Air Chathams aims to provide a more reliable domestic service which can help bring more tourists to the northern Vava'u island group and boost the economy.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speakers: CEO of Air Chathams, Craig Emeny

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