 | |
| Founded | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Ceased operations | 2024 |
| Hubs | Funafuti International Airport |
| Fleet size | 1 |
| Parent company | Government of Tuvalu |
| Headquarters | Funafuti, Tuvalu |
| Key people | Christopher Langton (CEO) |
| Employees | 25 |
Air Tuvalu Proprietary Limited 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. 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. 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.
Operations did not commence and no information was given regarding the delay of the airline's startup. The website also stopped being maintained and displayed a white screen. 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.
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 |
Fleet
| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 1 | — | 16 | Never entered service |
| Total | 1 | — |
References
- ^ 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.
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