Boeing 737-800

Fiame told the Samoa Observer the reason why the plane was returned is that it was difficult to sustain its expenditure and the government had to look at other priorities during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Fiame said there are options available for Samoa through other international airlines when Samoa's borders open in August.

Currently, Qantas, Fiji Airways, and Air New Zealand travel to Samoa.

Virgin Australia has recently sought a licence to fly into the country from Australia.

The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, said the previous government did not take the advice from key government stakeholders not to bring in the aircraft because it's the wrong time.

The decision to continue with the move was made after the then caretaker government of the HRPP party had finalised the lease arrangements.

The aircraft is in Brisbane for technical checks and final safety approval before it's flown to Samoa for international service.

The Dutch leasing agency will be deliver the plane to Brisbane on 2 July where it will complete air worthiness certification before Samoa Airways pilots fly it home to Faleolo.

All flight, cabin and ground crew will then undergo a two-week operational training on the new plane.

It's expected the 160 seat aircraft will initially service charter flights between Apia and Brisbane via Nuku'alofa.

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