Air Tuvalu Explained

Air Tuvalu Proprietary Limited was a Tuvaluan airline meant to launch domestic flights within Tuvalu beginning in October 2023.

It was the first government-owned airline in Tuvalu's history.^[1] On May 11, 2023, a 16-seat Twin Otter (T2-TV8) was delivered from Honolulu International Airport by CEO Christopher Langton and two co-pilots. After the delivery, a ceremony was held on Friday to mark its arrival.^[3] The airline was hoping to strengthen the intra-island connection between Tuvalu's airports and improve reliable domestic air service. It was headquartered in Funafuti. Tuvalu's government announced restoration plans for its aviation infrastructure and once the outer-lying island airstrips were updated, those destinations would become operational.^[4]

Operations did not commence and no information was given regarding the delay of the airline's startup.^[5] The website also stopped being maintained and displayed a white screen.^[6] Centre for Aviation (CAPA), of which Tuvalu is a member country, continues stating on its website that the airline was proposed, therefore not meant to launch.^[7]

Destinations

Village	Airport	Notes
Funafuti (Vaiaku)	Funafuti International Airport
Lolua	Nanumea Airfield	Intended to begin October 2023
Savave	Nukufetau Airfield	Intended to begin October 2023

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kumar. Sanjeshni. 11 May 2023. Air Tuvalu aircraft arrives. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20231207222121/https://pina.com.fj/2023/05/12/air-tuvalu-aircraft-arrives/. 7 December 2023. 10 September 2023. Pacific Islands News Association.
2. Web site: It was once possible to count all of the employees on one of the photo slides on the website.. 2 January 2024. Air Tuvalu.
3. Web site: 12 May 2023. Why this plane is an historic moment for tiny Tuvalu. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240102131732/https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300877344/why-this-plane-is-an-historic-moment-for-tiny-tuvalu. 2 January 2024. 2 January 2024. Stuff. en.
4. Web site: Kumar. Sanjeshni. 12 June 2023. Tuvalu to receive US$23million to enhance its international airport and runway. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20231114095844/http://pina.com.fj/2023/06/12/tuvalu-to-receive-us23million-to-enhance-its-international-airport-and-runway/. 14 November 2023. 10 September 2023. Pacific Islands News Association.
5. Web site: In the about section there is information that no date for a startup has been given. No operations are publicly known either.. CAPA Centre for Aviation.
6. Web site: Air Tuvalu. 2 January 2024.
7. Web site: Air Tuvalu Airline Profile CAPA. 15 January 2024. centreforaviation.com.