The new airline will fly six times a week between Apia and Auckland from next Tuesday, stepping up to daily from December 17.
Samoa Airways is using a Boeing 737-800 leased from Icelandair Group with 170 seats, including eight in business class.
Last month the Samoan government refused an application by Virgin Australia to fly five times a week, affecting about 6000 passengers and causing concern in the travel industry about reduced competition on the route.
