Samoa Airways is seeking a US$12 million loan from the Unit Trust of Samoa, as the government dismisses any notion that the loan is financial assistance, while adding that the airline is not operating at a loss as load factors have recently improved.

Minister of Public Enterprise, Lautafi Selafi Purcell did confirm the loan the funding was an "emergency" as the "first 24 months will operate on a loss".

The airline also plans to expand its international services with the addition of a second aircraft.