Samoa Airways cops flak after teething problems

Samoa Airways is copping flak in the first week of its operation but says "Rome wasn't built overnight". Samoa Airways' GM Seiuli Alvin Tuala said he was working on solving problems that sparked criticism following the first day of the airline's operation Tuesday. The one aircraft airline has started flying between Apia and Auckland after the Samoan govt, which owns the airline, refused permission for Virgin Australia to fly the route. There were manual check-ins and boarding passes were hand printed. "It's a teething problem and it's being dealt with. We should alleviate the setback as soon as possible and remove any inconvenience to our passengers and travelling public," said Seiuli. Seiuli said the airline was formed in 6 months and he had expected "a lot of problems and setbacks". <br/>