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Samoa Airways seek cabotage waiver under new federal law

Samoa Airways logo
reporters@samoanews.com

 

Federal legislation signed into law recently by US President Donald J. Trump paves the way for Samoa Airways to apply for cabotage waiver for a longer period of time to operate American Samoa’s domestic flights instead of only a 30-day waiver.

An amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, introduced by Congresswoman Aumua Amata, promotes improved air service in American Samoa, by allowing foreign carriers to apply to operate domestic flights, as well as seek renewal for a cabotage waiver, for six months instead of the previous 30-days.

Samoa Airways has been operating Manu’a flights under 30-day cabotage waivers from the US Department of Transportation for more than three years. The airline’s current 30-day approved waiver, which was granted Oct. 9th, is valid until Nov. 9th.

Yesterday, the Samoa government owned airline sought renewal of its cabotage waiver, citing the FAA Reauthorization Act, and requested continued cabotage exemption after Nov. 9, 2018 through Feb. 11, 2019.