Fiji and Tonga agree to air capacity increase

The Fiji Times, in an article dated 7 May 2008, reports that Fiji and Tonga have agreed to a new Memorandum of Understanding increasing the capacity available to the airlines of each side to 1,000 seats per week. The previous limit had been 350. A report from Fijilive dated 7 May 2008 adds that the new arrangements are to include an exchange of fifth freedom rights.

A report from Fijilive on 9 May 2008 covers the possibility that Air Pacific is looking to start international services to Vava'u.

I have been fortunate enough to visit Vava'u twice. The island group really is a gem with good potential for tourism if reliable air transport links can be maintained. The current small airport, which lies in a shallow basin on the main island, has the most displaced landing thresholds I have ever seen on a runway.