Samoa Airways decision yet on 3 Staff who tested positive to illicit drugs tests

Apia, Samoa – 19 February 2025 – The Samoa Airways Board of Directors have yet to make a decision on the three airline staff members who tested positive for illicit drugs and have been stood down pending a final decision.

In a statement, Samoa Airways said it implemented a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing policy for all staff members in October 2024 in a crucial step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of our passengers and employees.

Recent drug testing conducted by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS), revealed that 10 percent of the tested staff returned positive results for illegal and prescriptive substances and alcohol.

The airline cancelled last Wednesdays’ flights to and from American Samoa after the positive results for illegal substances and alcohol in 10 percent of tested staff.

The airline had to charter Talofa Airways at a cost of $30,000 tālā to accommodate confirmed passengers travelling to and from American Samoa on the day.

“Safety is our top priority, and we will not compromise on this core value,” said the airline statement.

“We understand the disruption this may have caused to our passengers, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. However, these measures were necessary to ensure the safety and security of our operations.”

The airline said six employees who tested positive for alcohol have been issued warning letters and have been retested and we are awaiting results.

The pilot who was tested positive for a prescriptive drug (sleeping pill) was also stood down, has been retested and returned with a negative result and will be allowed to fly.

“We are committed to supporting our employees through this process and will provide the necessary resources to address these issues,” said the Airline in a statement.

Commitment to Partner Airlines
As the ground handler for major international carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways is acutely aware of the necessity to uphold a safe, drug-free environment.

“Our commitment to safety extends to our partner airlines, who rely on us to maintain the highest standards of operational safety. We are dedicated to mitigating the risk of accidents and ensuring optimal safety for all our operations.”

Community Support
The airline acknowledge that drug use is a complex issue that requires a collective effort to address.

“Samoa Airways is dedicated to playing our part in combating this problem. We collaborate with local authorities and health organizations to promote awareness and support initiatives aimed at addressing drug abuse.”

The airline thanked its customers, passengers, partners, and the public for their understanding and support.

“Samoa Airways remains steadfast in our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and exceptional travel experiences. We will continue to prioritize safety and work tirelessly to maintain the trust and confidence of our valued customers.”