Air Tuvalu
 | |
| Founded | 2023[1] |
|---|---|
Ceased operations | Never launched |
| Hubs | Funafuti International Airport |
| Fleet size | 1 |
| Parent company | Government of Tuvalu |
| Headquarters | Funafuti, Tuvalu |
| Key people | Christopher Langton (CEO) |
| Employees | 25[2] |
Air Tuvalu was a proposed Tuvaluan airline meant to launch domestic flights within Tuvalu beginning in October 2023.
History
It was the first government-owned airline in Tuvalu's history.[1] On May 11, 2023, a 16-seat Twin Otter (T2-TV8) was delivered from Honolulu International Airport by CEO Christopher Langton and two co-pilots. After the delivery, a ceremony was held on Friday to mark its arrival.[3] The airline was hoping to strengthen the intra-island connection between Tuvalu's airports and improve reliable domestic air service. It was headquartered in Funafuti. Tuvalu's government announced restoration plans for its aviation infrastructure and once the outer-lying island airstrips were updated, those destinations would become operational.[4]
Operations did not commence and no information was given regarding the delay of the airline's startup.[5] The website also stopped being maintained and displayed a white screen.[6] Centre for Aviation (CAPA), of which Tuvalu is a member country, continues stating on its website that the airline was proposed, therefore not meant to launch.[7]
Destinations
| Village | Airport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Funafuti (Vaiaku) | Funafuti International Airport | Hub |
| Lolua | Nanumea Airfield | Intended to begin October 2023 |
| Savave | Nukufetau Airfield | Intended to begin October 2023 |
| Apalolo - Saniuta | Vaitupu Domestic Runway |
Fleet
| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 1 | — | 16 | Never entered service |
| Total | 1 | — |
References
- 1 2 Kumar, Sanjeshni (11 May 2023). "Air Tuvalu aircraft arrives". Pacific Islands News Association. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
- ↑ "It was once possible to count all of the employees on one of the photo slides on the website". Air Tuvalu. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ↑ "Why this plane is an historic moment for tiny Tuvalu". Stuff. 12 May 2023. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ↑ Kumar, Sanjeshni (12 June 2023). "Tuvalu to receive US$23million to enhance its international airport and runway". Pacific Islands News Association. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
- ↑ "In the about section there is information that no date for a startup has been given. No operations are publicly known either". CAPA Centre for Aviation.
- ↑ "Air Tuvalu". Retrieved 2 January 2024.
- ↑ "Air Tuvalu Airline Profile | CAPA". centreforaviation.com. Retrieved 15 January 2024.