Air Tuvalu was a proposed Tuvaluan airline meant to launch domestic flights within Tuvalu beginning in October 2023.
History It was the first government-owned airline in Tuvalu's history. On May 11, 2023, a 16-seat Twin Otter (T2-TV8) was delivered from Honolulu International Airport by CEO Christopher Langton and two co-pilots. After the delivery, a ceremony was held on Friday to mark its arrival. The airline was hoping to strengthen the intra-island connection between Tuvalu's airports and improve reliable domestic air service. It was headquartered in Funafuti. Tuvalu's government announced restoration plans for its aviation infrastructure and once the outer-lying island airstrips were updated, those destinations would become operational.
Operations did not commence and no information was given regarding the delay of the airline's startup. The website also stopped being maintained and displayed a white screen. Centre for Aviation (CAPA), of which Tuvalu is a member country, continues stating on its website that the airline was proposed, therefore not meant to launch.
Destinations VillageAirportNotesFunafuti (Vaiaku)Funafuti International AirportLoluaNanumea AirfieldIntended to begin October 2023SavaveNukufetau AirfieldIntended to begin October 2023Apalolo - SaniutaVaitupu Domestic Runway
Fleet + Air Tuvalu fleetAircraftTotalOrdersPassengersNotesde Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter1—16Never entered serviceTotal1—
References