SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, May 7, 2008) – Airline seat capacity between Fiji and Tonga is expected to increase after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on air services between the two countries was signed today.

The MOU will allow the extension of the route schedule provisions of the ASA (air services agreement) to include Vavau as the second point in Tonga for Fiji's designated airline and Nausori as second point in Fiji for Tonga's designated airline.

Speaking at the signing of the MOU, Civil Aviation Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau noted that in recent past traffic demand to Tonga had increased steadily.

"This has been factored into the agreement reached by the two states in March 2008 to increase the seat capacity from 350 to 1000 per week with no restrictions to aircraft types or frequencies and both countries had agreed to this," Ratu Epeli said.

"This new provision will certainly assist or facilitate the movement of tourists between Tonga and Fiji."

Tonga's Transport Minister Paul Karalus (in Fiji for the signing) explained that traffic between the two countries has increased in recent years for several reasons.

For one, there was a lot of regional traffic between Fiji-Tonga which related to the regional organizations here. In addition, the University of the South Pacific was located here, and there was a lot of student travel. Plus there was quite a large Tongan population in Fiji and finally, the on flow of tourists who came through Fiji to Tonga (for water sports in Vavau).

"But what perhaps has inhibited that somewhat is the need to have to go through from Nadi to Tongatapu and then on to Vavau. So the capability that your carrier has here now to fly directly from Nadi to Vavau we hope will enhance the numbers even further," Minister Karalus said.

He said that in the past year or so, Tonga had some occasions where the seat cap of 350 had to be extended on an ad hoc basis whenever required.

"But we are particularly mindful that with the coronation coming up, in August, there would be a lot greater demand for a lot of Tongans coming back to Tonga, and also for visitors."

He said the 1000 seat capacity would allow Air Pacific to increase its flights into Tonga.

"We are hopeful that they will start out (flights) twice a week. We don't know a time but we look forward to it happening."

Further included in the MOU is 5th freedom traffic right for the designated airline for Tonga beyond Nadi and Nausori to Australia.

In the spirit of reciprocity the Tongan Government has agreed to the 5th Freedom traffic right beyond Fua'amotu and Vavau to New Zealand for the designated airline for Fiji.

Ratu Epeli said the two countries aeronautical authorities will be meeting shortly to sort out the finer details of this 5th freedom beyond traffic rights.

He highlighted the signing as being one of historical significance between the two countries indicating that while it adds another chapter in terms of air services, it also improves the transportation and cargo.

The initial ASA between Fiji and Tonga was concluded and signed by the two parties in 1977.

An MOU was subsequently signed in 1999 between the two parties through which it was agreed for the designated national carriers of the two countries the right to operate air services with a maximum of 350 seat capacity per week with no restrictions to aircraft types or frequencies.

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