Lulutai Airlines Scrambles for Replacement Aircraft After Saab 340B Collision with Cement Block at Fua’amotu Airport
Nuku’alofa – In a startling turn of events, Lulutai Airlines is urgently seeking a leased aircraft to maintain its vital domestic flight services after its Saab 340B(Plus) aircraft was involved in a damaging collision at Fua’amotu Airport on December 8, 2023.
The incident, which occurred during taxiing post-landing, saw the aircraft unexpectedly collide with a cement block, resulting in the aircraft’s wing becoming entangled and significantly damaged. Despite the severity of the accident, it was a relief to report that all 35 passengers aboard emerged unscathed.
The aircraft, registered as A3-PUA, was on a scheduled flight to Vava’u when it experienced a hydraulic issue prior to landing, necessitating the piklot to make a decision to return to Tongatapu. The aircraft managed to land safely however as it left the main runway and onto the taxiway one of the right wings landing gear collapsed and the aircraft swung and the right engine perched atop the cement block.
Lulutai Airlines CEO Poasi Tei informed that a comprehensive assessment of the damage is yet to be concluded, leaving the extent and duration of necessary repairs uncertain. The airline, he mentioned, is now prioritizing the acquisition of a leased aircraft, either dry or wet, to alleviate the sudden capacity crunch on their domestic network.
This incident has put considerable strain on Lulutai Airlines’ operational capacity. The airline’s fleet, besides the now-grounded Saab 340, consists of a recently acquired DHC-6-400 and a Y12, the latter not being in regular operation. Both Lulutai Airlines and the Civil Aviation Division of Tonga are conducting thorough investigations into the mishap.
In the interim, the airline’s 19-seater DHC-6 Twin Otter is set to handle the routes to Vava’u and Ha’apai over the Christmas holidays, while the airline grapples with its diminished fleet.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Tonga’s Prime Minister and chairperson of Lulutai Airlines’ Board of Directors, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, confirmed in a Nuku’alofa press briefing that the Civil Aviation Authority is actively investigating the incident. He reiterated the technical issue after safely landing, leading to the unfortunate collision.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the safety of the passengers was not compromised, with only one passenger requiring assistance due to the unavailability of a wheelchair, but otherwise, all were reported safe.
The loss of the Saab 340 has dealt a significant blow to Lulutai’s service capabilities, especially during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The aircraft was a workhorse for the airline, offering over 400 seats per week, or more than 2200 seats a month, to Vava’u. Its absence is not only a logistical challenge for the airline but also a disruption to the travel plans of many during the festive season.
As Lulutai Airlines navigates through this challenging period, the focus remains on securing a quick replacement to ensure minimal disruption to its valued passengers and maintain its critical role in connecting the islands of Tonga.
