After being down for over two years, the N684AS Tausani plane — formerly the Segaula, the government owned plane that was leased to newly established Tausani Airlines— was seen landing in Fitiuta twice this week. Samoa News was questioned by the Fitiuta residents, who were surprised to see the N684AS Tausani plane landing at their airport, and they asked as to when it will officially fly to Manu’a on a daily basis.

Tausani Airlines President Filifa’atali Mike Fuiava confirmed that the plane had conducted test flights to Manu’a twice already. However, he said that he will be meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration this week on the status of “Tausani”, the aircraft.

Last December Port Administration took back the government-owned airplane and also terminated their Memorandum of Understanding and the lease of the Segaula with Inter Island Airways, dba Manu’a Airways, Executive President Barney Sene.

Tausani Airline has already taken over the office space and the hangar that was initially leased to Inter Island Airways at the Airport.

Filifa’atali told Samoa News yesterday the two pilots were accompanied by their mechanic Joaquin Flores on the test flight, as the plane has not been operational for over two years. He said it's unclear as to when it will take on passengers, as they are working on obtaining their license.

As Samoa News reported earlier, Tausani is currently parented with Freedom Air, using their license to operate. However, Freedom Air is in bankruptcy at the federal court in Guam, and the FAA said in March this year that Freedom Air has not operated since last year, 2014.

Tausani Airline has also been in the news concerning a loan they obtained from the Development Bank of American Samoa. Distribution of the loan proceeds are currently on hold, according to Senator Galea’i Tuufuli, Chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee after two’ closed door hearings with DBAS officials. The airline company had used some of the proceeds.

The Tausani Airline president said that until they obtain their license to operate, they will continue to use Freedom Air’s license.

Filifa’atali told Samoa News yesterday their main concern is to have continuous air service to and from the Manu’a Islands.

Meanwhile, the Samoa government owned Polynesian Airlines is continuing its flights to Manu’a — both Fitiuta and Ofu airports — as approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation with another 30-day cabotage exemption granted from June 29 to July 28, 2015.