Samoa Airways, the country’s national carrier, is back in the headlines at the right time. With the re-opening of our borders to international travellers, comes the need for Samoa’s very own airline to help our people by cushioning the expensive airfares being charged by foreign-owned airlines, as the demand for international travel skyrockets. 

But if anyone was hoping for a quick fix from Samoa Airways to lower the airfares, they would be disappointed. We’ve been told that the airline is at least two or three years away from returning to international jet operations. 

As hard as it is to take, it is probably a good idea to take things very, very slowly. The history of the airline stands to remind us about how not to rush into these decisions, especially the kind that often costs taxpayers millions and millions of tala. It nearly bankrupted this country at one point.

Were the lessons learnt after that? Well, the airline’s most recent history should be a reminder about the need to be more strategic and prudent in planning where to next and how to proceed. The question of whether it’s a viable business operation should also be considered. Every angle must be covered.

In tough times like today, the Government needs to make some very difficult decisions. And wherever the country is bleeding financially, these holes must be plugged and treated immediately. Sometimes leaders are better off swallowing their pride and admit fault than continuing down a failing path. This is something the previous administration did not do and the carnage in terms of untold losses, the headaches and what has unfolded is what we are left with. It’s a sad legacy but it should be a valuable lesson for the leaders of today who are trying to steady the ship.

That said, as Samoans, we all want our very own national airline. We are proud people and who doesn’t want that jolly feeling of seeing Samoa’s name at airports around the world? This is perhaps the only reason we can think of hence the new Government has persisted with this venture. And to be fair to them, they deserve a chance to see whether in can be salvaged, and if they can make a difference. We wish them well.

The appointment of an interim Board to oversee the airline's operation, while a review and restructure exercise is underway, is a very good start. Businessmen, Tupuola Koki Tuala and Taimalie Charlie Ah Liki are joined by the former Polynesian Airlines chief executive officer, Fauoo Fatu Tielu, on the Interim Board. They have quite a mission.

"The main issue we need to look into is trying to address the company's debt,” Fauo’o said. Asked how they plan to address airline's debts, Fauo'o said: "Well we obviously need to ask the Government to assist us in that regard. We still have some funds left and we will also have to see where else we can get money from for the operation of the company."

The simple truth is that Samoa Airways without Government funding will be dead. It’s not a question of whether the airline will bleed the country, it’s a question of how much and how bad. 

Still, the Board seems to have made quite a decent start. Last week, we were told that the airline’s aircraft lease has officially ceased with the settlement of a USD$4.6 million payment and the transfer of registration of a Boeing 737-800 to an Australian airline. The severing of the lease agreement was negotiated by a Cabinet sub-committee and saved the country a projected loss of $160 million. Wow… that is a lot of money. Great stuff. 

Speaking about the future, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo, said: “For now we won’t be looking into jet service until another two to three years. We have four airlines flying to and from Samoa…and the idea is to get seats on all those flights so we can have a codeshare arrangement, especially with Fiji Airways flying to Honolulu. But that is left to the Interim Board to negotiate possible joint ventures with other airlines and also continue our airport operations like ground handling.”

It sounds like a plan Minister Leatinu’u. Good luck. Regardless of what happens next, there is only one thing members of the public would be keen on and that is cheaper airfares. The sooner the better please. 

And lastly, at least the interim C.E.O. is not paid more than the Prime Minister. For an airline that had no aircraft and was costing more to operate, it is mind boggling that the C.E.O. was paid $300,000. 

But that’s the past folks, let’s hope that there are better skies ahead for Samoa Airways, and all our proud Samoan people who would dearly love to support them, if and when they offer nice and competitive airfares. Isn’t that something to look forward to? 

Have a great Friday Samoa, God bless!