Visitors to Tonga now have a choice of airlines for journeys to the outer islands. Two new Tongan domestic airlines, flyNiu Airlines and Air Waves of Vava'u, have taken to the skies in time for the island kingdom's peak holiday season when the fish are biting and the whales have returned to play in the crystal clear waters.

Air Waves Vava'u

Both airlines have operating certificates from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, which oversees Tongan airline operations.

flyNiU is operating a 37-seater Dash 8 aircraft leased from New Zealand's Air National charter company and links the capital of Nuku'alofa, on the main island of Tongatapu, and the popular fishing, sailing and whale watching island groups of Vava'u and Ha'apai. Under the agreement, Air National also provides crewing and maintenance services.

flyNiU's Monday to Saturday schedule has up to three return services daily between Nuku'alofa and Vava'u and one return flight daily to Ha'apai. Flights connect with international services operated to Nuku'alofa by Air New Zealand, Polynesian Airlines, Air Pacific and Air Fiji.

The modern Dash 8-Q200 series aircraft, manufactured by de Havilland in Canada, is fully equipped with the latest in avionics and safety equipment making it one of the most advanced regional aircraft in its class operating in the Pacific Islands. It features luxurious leather seating and cabin air-conditioning.

Air Waves of Vava'u (Peau Vava'u), is also operating a Monday to Saturday service between Tongatapu and Vava'u and Ha'pai as well as flights between the two islands. Air Waves is leasing a DC3 from Pion Air of New Zealand. The 28-seat aircraft was previously used for customized luxury scenic flights in New Zealand and Australia and provides comfort with a touch of old-fashioned elegance more usually associated with the golden days of travel.

Tourism operators in Tonga and the travel industry in New Zealand and Australia have welcomed the flyNiU inter-island service, which fills the gap left following the demise of Royal Tongan Airlines in May.

Shane Walker, Managing Director of the Auckland, New Zealand, based Sunsail Boat Charters, said the new air services provided an excellent link for yachting holidaymakers heading to the northern Vava'u islands, where Sunsail operates yacht charters and sailing holidays.

Director of the Tonga Visitors Bureau, Va'inga Palu said, "The whales have returned for the season, the fish are biting, the weather is fine, our cultural performers are on form and we have new properties operating this year in Neiafu and Nuku'alofa. I believe everyone will have a wonderful time when they visit us."

For further information, please contact:

Peau Vava'u:
International booking details
Pacific Travel Marketing Ltd (David Hunt & Tele Faletau)

Tonga: Phone (+676) 28 304/28 305
Payment for bookings originating outside the Kingdom of Tonga can be made by TT or credit card. Payments by credit card will incur an additional four per cent fee.
Pacific Travel Marketing Ltd charges a booking fee of T$25 per passenger booked. This service includes confirmation of seats, ticketing, delivery of tickets to passengers and information and assistance should there be any schedule changes.

flyNiu Airlines:
Tonga: Phone (+676) 28 280
email

Booking and Ticketing procedures:

By Email or Fax
Request reservation per schedule on website - booking mask or simply advise your International arrival and departure details. Fly Niu Reservations will reply with appropriate flight and Itinerary details.
Payment by Credit Card or direct bank credit to New Zealand or Tongan Fly Niu account. Once you have confirmed payment, Fly Niu reservations will advise Confirmation Number (PNR).

For Agents: Issue passenger itinerary sheet on agency letterhead including flight details, passenger names, sector fares, reservation/PNR number. Itinerary sheet will be collected upon check in at Fly Niu and ticket issued. A five per cent commission applies to all agency sales.

For Individuals: Fly Niu reservations will issue E-Ticket Itinerary upon receipt of full payment. Please present this to Fly Niu check in staff at airport.