7 November 2003AUCKLAND - Air New Zealand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Palau's start up airline, Palau Micronesia Air, committing to provide a range of support services for the new company which commences services in April next year.
Palau Micronesia Air will have no engineering and operational infrastructure, but will operate its two Boeing 737-300 aircraft under Air New Zealand's Airline Operating Certificate.
"This arrangement means Palau's new airline can operate and we are delighted to be of support to the initiative," said Air New Zealand Group General Manager Ventures, Craig Sinclair.
Japan Airlines (JAL) is actively supporting the Palau initiative and will codeshare with the new airline, which will serve the local Micronesia Islands and the Japanese tourism market.
Palau's main airport in Koror is currently used by Continental Airlines, which operates scheduled services to the island, and Japan Airlines which operates charter flights.
The new service from Koror, Republic of Palau, reaches out to Yap, Guam, Saipan, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae as well as Japan and the Philippines. “We’ve put a lot of thought and research into the needs and traffic patterns within the region as well as destinations with significant traffic to and from Micronesian points,” said James Bradfield, Chief Executive Officer of the airline.
“We feel we can provide unique new routings and services to significantly contribute to the betterment of the total air transportation needs of the people in this region.”