Two airlines based in the South Pacific have forged an alliance that will help reconnect Samoa with international flights.

Samoa’s new national carrier, Samoa Airways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fiji Airways to jointly pursue a range of commercial opportunities. Under the proposed partnership, Fiji Airways will support the launch of Samoa Airways’ international services to Auckland and Sydney, including sales, operations and maintenance.

The two airlines also plan to jointly operate other routes via codesharing and interlining arrangements.

“We are happy to play a support role to help reboot Samoa’s international airline,” said Fiji Airways’ managing director & CEO, Andre Viljoen. “The proposed commercial partnership between Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways is another extension of the already close relationship Fiji Airways continues to enjoy with the government of Samoa in terms of promoting improved air access into Samoa from other markets outside of New Zealand and Australia.”

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi, said the agreement would “open Samoa up to the world”.

“The proposed partnership between Fiji’s national airline and our own… is a testament to the strong bonds that we share as island nations in the Pacific region and embraces our Pacific way of doing things,” he added.