Samoa’s national airline — formed in 2005 by a joint venture between the then-Virgin Blue and the Samoan Government — will have “a new level of professionalism for our national airline; a new style; of which the people of Samoa can be proud” according to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Keep an eye out for the distinctive new aircraft livery on the airline’s plane — yes, plane: just one Boeing 737-800 comprises the Virgin Samoa fleet.
Virgin Samoa’s CEO Mark Pitt promises that the jet will have “a fresh, contemporary and sophisticated look, consistent with its partner Virgin Australia but with a uniquely Samoan flavor; featuring elements such as a palm tree motif on the fuselage; the words “airline of Samoa” under the window line near the front doors; and a specially designed tatau pattern on the engines.”
An airline spokesperson promises us that images of the new paintjob will be released later today, and while the airline’s virginsamoa.com website was not yet live this morning, the spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller that it would be operational “very soon”.
Virgin Australia’s long-haul airline V Australia and trans-Tasman/Pacific Island operation Pacific Blue will be folded into the Virgin Australia brand by the end of this month, and Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti has revealed more plans for 2012, including signature lounges in Sydney, Gold Coast and Mackay and upgraded aircraft.
