Made in heaven
p. 49 · Read in the full issue
Fiji and Tonga strengthened their centuries old ties on january 28 with an alliance between the former’s Air Pacific and the latter’s Royal Tongan Airlines. The marriage took place after Royal Tongan’s association with the financially stricken Polynesian Airlines lapsed last year.
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, full of hope and praise for the new agreement signed in Tonga, said: “We are here today to take part in what I see as a new jour ney of friendship, goodwill and hope between our two countries, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Fiji.
We have come to your Kingdom to seal a contract which will bring and bind our nations together in a commercial cooperation for the ultimate benefit and advantage of our peoples.
“This auspicious occasion today is another manifesta tion of what our nations can do together and an example of just what is possible in regional cooperation.”
Rabuka said the new venture would bring visitors and investors, reduce the isolation of the countries in the vastness of the ocean, spur trade and exports and take them closer to the markets of the world. He said the part nership between the two companies showed the type of
cooperation needed between the island nations.
“Aviation has always been central to the development of our region and we are acutely aware of the political, economic and commercial difficulties associated with its growth. Although the original concept of a regionally owned airline was soundly based in economic terms, it, nevertheless, did not work. We are convinced, however, that in the approach we have adopted for this joint air craft lease arrangement, Fiji and Tonga are laying a pru dent and realistic foundation for the revival of South Pacific aviation cooperation on a basis that is both feasi ble in its operational and financial aspects and mutually beneficial.
Rabuka promised Air Pacific and Royal Tongan Airlines his government’s continued support.
Air Pacific Limited’s Chairman, Gerald Barrack, who was also at the signing, said the event marked the opening of an important chapter in civil aviation in the region.
“This is the first time two South Pacific airlines have agreed to jointly lease and operate a 8737. I am confi dent it will open the way for other profitable cooperative ventures.” Barrack stressed the lease agreement was based on sound commercial and business principles.”