Real Tonga airlines has confirmed its new route will be launched this month.

From June 29 it will fly direct to Apia’s Faleolo International Airport from Fua’amotu Domestic airport via Sālote Lupepau’u International airport in Vava’u.

This has been confirmed to Kaniva Tonga news this morning by Real Tonga CEO Tēvita Palu.

The announcement comes after the first regional flight services were scheduled to start early this year but they were deferred after Tropical Cyclone Gita affected the kingdom on February 12.

Real Tonga will be utsing its SAAB 340 which will be offering up to 30 passenger seats and a full meal service.

As part of the deal, Real Tonga Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Samoa Airways so the two airlines can share the same flight.

“Moving to start international and regional air service is quite an achievement for Real Tonga,” Palu told Samoa Observer.

“I look forward to working hand in hand with Samoa’s owned airline, Samoa Airways to develop the air transportation between our two nations and to support tourism growth in the Pacific.”

Real Tonga airlines commenced operations in March 2013, becoming the 12th airline to operate domestic flights in the kingdom.