Since its establishment in 1986, the management and operation of all airports in Samoa had been the responsibility of the Authority under its 1984 enabling Act. With the coming into effect of the new Airport Authority Act 2012, other airport operators can now operate airports in Samoa once certified by the Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI). The Authority is governed by a five (5) member Board of Directors chaired by a Cabinet selected Chairman.The Authority has 200 plus employees providing services for the daily operation and maintenance of Faleolo, Maota and Asau airports. Faleolo Airport operates on a 24hr basis with most jet aircraft movement operating at night or early hours of the morning. Four Divisions operate on 24 shift works, Air Traffic Controller personnel, Rescue Fire Service, Aviation Security and Cleaners for the Terminal building. The successful implementation of the 2017-2020 Corporate Plan and its deliverables will require recruitment of additional personnel with the skill sets and capabilities outlined in the following sections.Funding of airport operations and activities is the responsibility of the Airport Authority.

Faleolo International Airport

Faleolo International Airport (“Faleolo”) was originally constructed in 1942 by the United States Marines and is located about 40 kilometers from Apia. The Faleolo airport site comprises of approximately 374 acres of land on the north-western coast of Upolu Island.Since its establishment in 1986, the Authority had implemented significant improvements to infrastructure at Faleolo including construction of a new runway, taxiway and apron, new passenger terminal, new control tower and fire station, installation of new airport lighting system and navigation aids and appropriate specialized training packages for its personnel. These projects were funded from a combination of Government of Samoa budget resources, external grants and loan funding from a variety of sources including the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), New Zealand’s Aid Program, the European Union (EU), the World Bank (IDA), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF).The majority of international services originate in Australia and New Zealand generally using B737-800, B767, B777 and A320 aircraft and B747 aircraft during the peak Christmas/New Year periods. International services between Fiji and Samoa including the weekly return Nadi/Apia/Honolulu service use B737-800/700 and American Samoa services use Twin Otters (DH6) AC90, BN2 & C172.

Maota Airport, Savaii Island

Maota Airport is situated on the outskirts of the main town of Salelologa on the Island of Savaii. The airport is primarily used for domestic travel between Upolu and Savaii. The airport is certificated and subjected to annual safety audits by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

Asau Airport, Savaii Island

This Airport is situated in the village of Asau on the north-north-western coast of Savaii. The airport caters for domestic flights only with airport terminal and runway still being maintained by the Authority to comply with its Part 139 Certificate.