Samoa Airways is seeking an aircraft on dry lease once its current B737-800 contract with NEOS (Italy) on damp lease reaches expiry by 2019, according to CEO Seiuli Alvin Tuala.

The carrier is currently training its flight crew for the switch, although the contract for the new aircraft has not been finalized. Samoa Airways is in no rush despite any savings, as training is costly and pilots must be hired from overseas.

No word yet on the specific type of aircraft that Samoa Airways is looking for, however it was disclosed last year that the carrier was looking to secure a second B737 by late 2018.