Despite “frank” and “direct” warnings from the World Bank arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Samoa said nothing has changed its commitment to relaunching jet operations for Samoa.
The government, through a statement issued by the Unit Trust Office of Samoa (UTOS), said the discussions held with the fact-finding mission and aviation industry experts in Australia around the government's proposed national airline do not affect its confidence in the project.
“The government wants to reassure the public that nothing in these internal discussions changes our commitment to this initiative or our confidence in its long-term success,” the statement said.
According to documents obtained and verified by the Samoa Observer, the ADB warned that relaunching jet operations could be financially devastating if Samoa were to compete against Air New Zealand. The IFC instead pointed Samoa toward agricultural supply opportunities, including copra, coconuts, and poultry supply.
In the statement, the government said the airline initiative aims to relaunch jet operations for Samoa Airways and described it as an important long-term project for the country. “This is an important long-term project for our country's connectivity, economy, and national pride,” the statement said.
