Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Tongan Royal Flight |
| English Title: |
| Tongan Royal Flight |
| Abbreviation: |
| TRF |
| First Established: |
| 2004? |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Tonga |
| Status: |
| Active |
History
Narrative Summary
Crown Prince George (Siaosi) Tupou was educated abroad and became very interested in modern technology. He served more than twenty years as Tonga’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence and was closely involved in the modernisation of the Tonga Defence Services.
In about 2004 a Beech 18 belonging to Aerial Surveys Inc of the USA came to be based in Tonga. The aircraft was used by the Crown Prince and the Tongan Royal Family on several occaisons, including trips to New Zealand. In September 2006 the Crown Prince became King Tupou V. The Beech continued to be used by the Royal Family until at least 2009, but appears to have been little used subsequently. Its airworthiness certificate expired in June 2011. In 2012 the King sadly died and was succeeded by his younger brother.
Key Dates
| 2004? | Beech 18 is first made available to the Royal Family | |
| 11 September 2006 | Crown Prince becomes King Tupou V | |
| June 2011 | C of A for Beech 18 expires |
Current Status
The Beech 18 aircraft remains in Tonga but is not believed to be operational.
Future Plans
No plans known. The Royal Family now uses charted commercial airliners for transport.
Markings
National Insignia
None carried – the aircraft retained its former markings.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Beech 18 retained its US civil registration.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beech D18S | 1 | 2004? | 2009? | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Tongatapu-Fua’amoto International Airport, Tonga.
Organisational Structure
No subordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
No subordinate units.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The aircraft is still based at Tongatapu-Fua’amoto International Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites