Aviation
Samoa & the United States sign Open Skies Agreement
By Lagi Keresoma/
Apia, SAMOA – 3 March 2026: Samoa and the United States of America have signed the Open Skies Agreement allowing increased direct flights between the two countries and other opportunities.
The Agreement was signed by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and US Deputy Secretary of State’s Christopher Landau at the Taumeasina Island Resort yesterday.
Landau came to Samoa following a meeting with Pacific leaders in Hawaii where he advanced a new era of US foreign policy, ushered in by President Trump, “where we prioritize prosperity through partnership, investment over aid, and prosperity over dependence.”
The agreement establishes clear transparent rules that foster efficient market-based aviation and increase the number of direct flights between Samoa and the US improving connectivity in the 21st century air transport.
“We want to see enhanced links between our countries, and it would be wonderful to have more direct flights,” he said.
The US had signed an Open Skies Agreement with more than 135 countries since 1992 and yesterday welcomed Samoa as part of that global network and open aviation market.
“This agreement will enable airlines to create co-sharing agreements, develop new rules, experience open markets, not government regulations that support air services growth. It will remove restrictions on rights, strengthen economic ties, tourism, expand trade and make it easier for families to reconnect,” he said.
This will also enhance economic opportunities for small businesses, exporters, students and diaspora in the US and Samoa.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and US Deputy Secretary of States Christopher Landau signing the Open Skies Agreement.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said the agreement comes at as time when Samoa is preparing to revive its national airline eyeing an expansion of international routes including the United States where Samoa has an active diaspora.
“I am happy to endorse the bilateral Open Skies Agreement with the US Government, and I am aware the agreement will expand international passenger and cargo flights to and from party countries, promote increased travel and trade, enhance productivity and high-quality jobs opportunity and economic,” he said.
He also said that the key component of the success of the Open Skies Agreement lay in the commercial decision of air carriers, route capacity, pricing fuel and filling carriers to provide non affordable convenience and effective air service for customers.
Samoa signed the 2001 multilateral agreement on international and air transport, and the Prime Minister believes the new agreement is an opportunity to review the efficiency and affordability of air services.
The US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau drinking his ava in the welcome Ava ceremony before the signing.
US donate 30 ballistic vest & helmet
After signing the Open Skies Agreement, Landau handed over 30 ballistic or bullet proof vests and helmets for the Samoa police force and accepted by Laauli who is the Minister of Police.
He said the donations are in support of the brave men and women in the police force whose task is to protect Samoa.
Landau noted the increase in transnational crimes both in Samoa and American Samoa, drug trafficking organisations do not respect borders and as officers confront increasing risks, it is essential that they have the protective gear they need.
“We appreciate the Prime Minister’s support on border security as top priority,” he said.
“The two milestone events, the Open Skies Agreement and expanded law enforcement cooperation reflect a raw truth: when Samoa and the US work together, we both become stronger, safer and more prosperous,” he said.
He emphasized the United States commitment to be Samoa’s partner in protecting their shared Pacific region, strengthen economic opportunity and reconnecting families and they are committed to deepening their relationship for generations to come.
The traditional welcome for the United States Deputy Secretary of State and his delegation.
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa expressed the Government’s gratitude for the vests and helmets citing that the equipment will be utilised not only for service but for protection of the Police Tactical Operation Squad (TOS) personnel.
He urged the police force to take lead of the advice that they are required to observe the mandatory requirements including training and monitoring system.
Such equipment will not only enhance rescue operations but personal safety when combating transnational crime including border security and major events in Samoa.
“Thank you to the US Government for their commitment to secure our service and security objectives and the equipment to return to the US for destruction,” he said.
American Samoa’s Governor, Pulaalii Nikolao Pula takes is Ava as family and cultural ties remain close for the two Samoas.
People relationship “unbreakable”
Christopher Landau acknowledged the relationship between Samoa and the United States “as unbreakable because we are both united with American Samoa.”
During the talks earlier in the day, Laauli referred to the significance of the Samoa-United States relationship as “there is no American-Fiji, no American-Tonga or with any other country except American Samoa.
American Samoa’s Governor, Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and delegation attended the signing ceremony and Landau said the ties between Samoa and the US is “the natural bridge between our countries.”
There are about 240,000 Samoans residing in the United States and 50,000 of that number are American Samoans. Many have served in the United States military and have excelled in sports especially in American Football and in other fields such the arts.
“Our people are the greatest bridge, our relationship unlike other countries is not just diplomatic but personal and those kinds of bonds are not breakable, and the Samoan and American diaspora are truly the best ambassadors between the US and Samoa,” Landau said