Anew air

Skies deal to benefit Samoa

services agreement between New '

Zealand and Samoa will benefit all air

travellers, the New Zealand Minister of Transport Mark Gosche said in Apia. “I am very pleased to announce the signature of a new ‘open skies’ Air Services Agreement by Samoa and New Zealand, he said.

“This will ultimately benefit all trader and travellers in the region.” Mr Gosche signed the Agreement with Samoa’s Minister of Transport, Joe Keil.

The new Air Services Agreement replaces previous arrangement dating from 1978. “The old Agreement could be said to have passed its use by date,” Gosche said.

“Negotiations with Samoa were held in March after Polynesian Airlines sought access to serve additional routes beyond New Zealand to Australia and points in the South Pacific.

Both countries agreed that a new framework was needed in which to further develop air services between and beyond New Zealand

and Samoa. Polynesian Airlines is acquiring a new 8737 800 aircraft and the

runway at Faleolo International Airport is being lengthened”, Gosche said.

“The new Agreement will provide opportunities for maximum benefit to be gained from these developments.” Under the new Agreement, the airline of each side may operate over any routing and with unlimited aircraft capacity.

Liberal provisions for passenger fares and airline ownership are included. Code-sharing is permitted, including on the aircraft of third countries. There is a temporary limitation on the number of airlines of each side that may commence service.

At the request of Samoa, it has been agreed that no additional passenger airlines will operate on the route for a period of two years from the April signature.

“This new Agreement with Samoa advances that goal and follows New Zealand’s singing of ‘open skies’ Air Services Agreement with the Cook Island in January,” Gosche said. ■