Samoa Airways Twin Otter undergoes retrofit in Canada

Apia – SAMOA, 11 June 2024 – In a rare sight, aircraft parts are being meticulously disassembled at Unity Aviation Canada’s warehouse, where one of Samoa’s National Carrier’s three Twin Otters is undergoing a comprehensive makeover.

“The retrofit project, funded by Samoa Airways on loan financing, represents a significant investment that promises a high return, given the extensive mechanical and engineering tasks being carried out by Unity Aviation Canada Ltd while the aircraft is in Canada,” stated Fauoo Taua Fatu Tielu, CEO of Samoa Airways.

The aircraft, registered under Samoa Airways as 5W-FAW, is now under the care of Unity Aviation Canada Ltd. This week, the crew has commenced the disassembly process, preparing for paint and stripping inspections,” Fauoo said.

The Unity crew has already removed the engines, props, flight controls, wings, H/Stab, V/Stab, rudder, elevators, interior, and avionics. Currently, the fuel system is being dismantled, and the wings are undergoing paint stripping.

“This marks an exciting milestone for Samoa Airways as we embark on this retrofit project to enhance safety and reliability for our passengers,” said Fauo’o.

Two pilots from Planes and Parts Ltd, a Canadian company contracted by Samoa Airways to fly the aircraft to Calgary, were in Apia last month, collaborating with Samoa Airways engineers and staff to prepare the aircraft for its journey to Canada. With three additional fuel tanks installed inside the aircraft, the flight took 15 hours directly from Faleolo to Hilo Hawaii, where the crew rested before continuing on to Canada.

The aircraft is expected to return in November, just in time for the busy Christmas season. The next twin otter aircraft is expected to be ferried to Canada next year around February or March 2025.