Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The start-up airline Pago Wings, which has yet to begin commercial operations, allegedly ignored a 2023 tax notice concerning the importation of a Tecnam P2012 aircraft number N1202P.

According to aviation industry online publication, ch-aviation.com, ASG Treasurer Malemo Tausaga, made the statement earlier this month during the Third Regular Session of the 38th Legislature. Malemo advised the Legislature that Pago Wings was obliged to pay excise tax on the aircraft upon its arrival but did not do so. FlightRadar data shows the aircraft ferrying to Pago Pago on September 29, 2023.

The Treasurer was reportedly asked by other legislature members why the aircraft was released if no payment had been made. He said it was common practice for Customs to release items if the importer made payment plan arrangements, although there is no legal framework to allow this practice.

Pago Wings conducted a series of test flights earlier this month in anticipation of commencing charters ahead of securing the appropriate certification to begin scheduled passenger flights.

Senator Magalei Logovii, told the Legislature he was informed that Pago Wings had failed to secure the necessary customs clearance in Hawaii before flying the aircraft to the territory and that it arrived without the required FAA documentation.

ch-aviation does not say this is true, only that the allegation was made.

Sen. Logovii also said local customs agents attempted to block the release of the aircraft pending payment of the excise tax but were overruled.

FAA records indicate that N1202P is registered to Paramount Builders Inc., owned and operated by Papali’i Laulii Alofa. Paramount holds registrations for two more Tecnam P2012s, N1203P and N1214P with both aircraft yet to ferry into American Samoa. N1203P is known to be at Honolulu.

Pago Wings will operate under the control of Part 135 air carrier Pacific Air Charters of Honolulu.

In November last year, Samoa News reported that The first aircraft for the airline, a 9-seater Tecnam Traveller arrived in the territory late October, and that the airline plans to have 10-12 pilots rotating in and out of Hawaii for the service in the territory, with one pilot stationed permanently on island.

Earlier this month, Pago Wings was reported as conducting a series of test flights in anticipation of commencing charters ahead of securing the appropriate certification to begin scheduled passenger flights.