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Polynesian Blue Airlines, the joint venture airline between Virgin Blue Airlines and the Government of Samoa, has
recorded a pre-tax profit of NZD $9.18 million dollars (approximately 16.6 million Tala) for the 07/08 financial year, up 71% from last year’s pre-tax profit of
NZ$5.363 million.
As a
result of the record profits, the Polynesian Blue Board has also unanimously agreed to pay off one third of the priority loan advanced by Shareholders as part of
the launch capital for Polynesian Blue (NZ$1.969 million), as well as the accrued interest on the loan
(NZ$1.32 million). The amount to be paid
to the Government of Samoa is NZ$1.623 million ($2.94 million Tala).
The Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa said, “Our decision to join with Virgin Blue Airlines in creating a national airline
that would be financially viable and provide our country with growth and financial stability has again been vindicated by the ongoing profitability
of Polynesian Blue. Samoa has benefited greatly from the success of Polynesian Blue and the people of Samoa can be further heartened with
the payment from Polynesian Blue to our Government, which will be re-invested to directly benefit our people.”
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey,
added, “It is a tremendous achievement for any airline to be making money in the current aviation
climate and Polynesian Blue is well and truly performing like a seasoned player in the global arena, generating a good profit when airlines
around the world are collapsing under the weight of industry challenges. The ongoing success of Polynesian Blue is testimony to the shared
vision and strategy behind the airline, as well as the fantastic frontline team responsible for day to day operations.”
Polynesian Blue
will also be increasing services to and from Samoa as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
From Monday 1 December 2008, Polynesian Blue will launch a brand new direct weekly flight between Brisbane, Australia and Apia.
The airline will become the first and currently only carrier to operate on that route offering Queenslanders a direct, convenient option to fly from the
Sunshine State to Samoa. Brisbane is fast becoming an Australian hub for services to the Pacific Islands, with more travellers opting for short
breaks in our neighbouring countries.
On top of the new Brisbane service, from 25 September 2008, Polynesian Blue will also add an additional weekly flight between Apia and
Auckland, New Zealand taking the total number of services to 12 direct flights per week. It is the second time Polynesian Blue has increased
frequency on this route following ongoing support and demand.
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