In a joint venture, the Government of Samoa and Virgin Australia have rebranded the region’s national carrier, Polynesian Blue to Virgin Samoa.

Launched today with new livery and a “contemporary and sophisticated look”, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the transformation was part of a Polynesian Blue joint venture signed in 2005 to create a national carrier that provide tourism growth into the country.

“Today our vision is to bring a new level of service and style to our guests as we partner in the evolution of Virgin Australia,” Hon. Sailele Malielegaoi explained.

“This name and branding provides a new level of professionalism for our national airline; a new style; of which the people of Samoa can be proud.”

Off the back of Virgin Australia’s recent rebranding, Virgin Samoa expects aircraft with new livery designed by tattooist, Tuifa’asisina Tulouena Sua, to launch into service from first quarter next year.

The carrier’s chief executive noted that the makeover’s impact to business should not “understated” and would raise the airline’s profile as well as contribute to passenger volume growth.