GREAT news for travellers in the South Pacific is that a new direct air route between Fiji and Vava'u in Tonga will commence in August 2007. This was announced on Radio Tonga, following the exciting Pacnews report that Airlines Tonga had been presented with their Air Operating Certificate. The airline has satisfied stringent safety requirements conducted by the New Zealand Aviation Authority.

After a trial flight some time in August, the airline will then operate two weekly flights from Vava'u, with a plan to introduce competitive and affordable ticketing.

The Vava'u islands are in the north of Tonga and are popular with the international sailing fraternity, as well as for tourists looking for game fishing, resort destinations, and whale watching.