Tonga's Lulutai Airlines under scrutiny

Prime Minister Aisake 'Eke's government is initiating a review of the operations of Lulutai Airlines, Tonga's only domestic airline, with a possibility that the company may be wound up. The Minister for Public Enterprise Piveni Piukala said if the company is wound up and its are operations closed, the government will take the necessary action to ensure that domestic demand is met. He confirmed the sacking of the airline's CE, Poasi Tei, as the first step toward taking control of the situation. He has been replaced by Tevita Palu, the owner of Palu Aviation and Real Tonga Airlines. Palu is a seasoned aviation industry expert and operated Real Tonga before the previous government of the late Dr Pohiva Tuioneto'a approved the setting up of Lulutai. Piukala said Palu is being tasked with leading a review of Lulutai's operations and report back to government.<br/>