How an ex-commando trainer from Singapore is changing tourism in the Pacific
While the superpowers and regional actors jostle for influence in the Pacific Ocean, Singapore and an ex-commando trainer may play a key role in changing the tourism landscape there. In September, the new Alii Palau
Nauru Airlines eyes growth in the Pacific as carrier launches new freighter plane
Brisbane-based Nauru Airlines has marked the beginning of a new chapter as a growing freight carrier with the addition of Australia’s first Boeing 737-800F to its fleet. Although the airline is headquartered on
Air Niugini’s boeing 767 fleet back in service, domestic flights cancelled
Air Niugini’s wide body Boeing 767 fleet are back in service, says acting chief executive officer Gary Seddon. “I would like to thank our valued customers for their patience and understanding as we worked
US$4m approved for Guam airport projects
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation approved an additional US$4 million in funding requested by Guam for airport projects, the Office of Guam Delegate James Moylan announced Tuesday. The additional
New Solomon Airline airbus arriving on Thursday
Solomon Islands second airbus will touch down at Honiara International Airport on Thursday this week. The country’s national flag carrier, Solomon Airlines, is acquiring the second airbus through an eight-year lease.
Asia, Pacific flights touted in Newcastle Airport expansion
Jetting direct to Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific from Newcastle is on the horizon, but will depend on commitments from big carriers as its new international terminal rises at its Williamtown base at the end of
Jetstar launches new route to Cook Islands
Australian travellers can now pay a stopover-free visit to the Cook Island’s famous turquoise shores with the launch of new direct flights. The new Jetstar service takes off as Pacific Island travel demand spikes in
US$23 million to strengthen Tuvalu’s aviation sector
Tuvalu will soon receive US$23 million in grant financing to enhance its aviation sector, the World Bank has announced. Through its Tuvalu Safe and Resilient Aviation Project, the Bank says it aims to improve the
Fiji Airways reviews flight loads due to fuel shortage in Tuvalu
Some passengers with bookings to Tuvalu on Fiji Airways have been unable to travel this week, as the airline has had to review flight loads due to fuel shortages and supply issues at Funafuti International Airport. Fiji
Solomon Islands’ new airport surcharge fee effective June 1st
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the introduction of new airport surcharge fee effective from 1 June 2023 to help cover rising international and domestic airport costs including increased landing and lighting fees at
Samoa’s Fagalii airport re-opens with extended runway
Samoa’s Fagalii airport has reopened with an extended runway, and the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure has given his assurance that it is safe. The Minister says the airport has passed all aviation
Moylan investigating possible airfare price gouging by United Airlines
Guam Attorney General Douglas Moylan has opened an investigation against United Airlines for possible price gouging on airfare to Guam in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. Officials from the company are saying that higher
ASPA’s new broom
But regional airline challenges remain David Tohi is a new broom at the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA). While he takes over from Fiji’s George Faktaufon, who spent more than 30 years as ASPA Chief
Fiji Airways’ A350-degree turn
Fiji Airways’ Executive Manager Global Sales expects the airline will carry one million passengers on its flights this year. Akuila Batiweti says while this is the airline’s 2024 target, he is optimistic
How are Pacific government-owned airlines performing?
Throwing good money after bad? An expert on State Owned Enterprises with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Private Sector Development Initiative, Christopher Russell says the Samoan government’s experience with
Samoa visitor arrivals returning to pre-pandemic levels
Visitors to Samoa’s shores in the first quarter of 2023 totaled over 30,000 with data released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) showing arrivals beginning to get to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
Marshalls air cargo crisis: search is on for alternative
The Marshall Islands government has been forced into making alternative air delivery options for everything from mail and medicines to fresh tuna and equipment for essential public services due to the mounting air cargo
Tonga MPs debate on domestic airline licensing
A heated discussion between members of Tongan parliament over a request of endorsement from REALTonga Airlines went nowhere on Monday this week. The discussion began when Tongatapu 5 People’s Representative, Hon. Dr
Air Kiribati to purchase Twin Otter in a US$6.5 million deal
The Kiribati Government Tuesday signed a US$6.5million deal with AEVEX Aerospace – IKHANA Aircraft Services for the purchase of a Twin Otter (MSN 718). Kiribati Minister for Information, Communication,
No geopolitics from Australia and NZ in Vanuatu Aviation
Many Ni-Vanuatu went to Philippines a few years ago to do their pilot training, however upon returning to Vanuatu, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) did not accept the Philippines Civil Aviation Authority
Bleak prospects for Pacific tourism
Pacific island countries should not expect international travel to resume in earnest until late 2021, travel and aviation experts have warned. ‘You should forget the US market for 2021, as well as Europe and the
I survived the PX073 crash
Once aboard, my seat, 24F on the right side of the rear of the plane was comfortable and the flight attendants were courteous and pleasant. The safety briefing was pretty much like every safety briefing I’ve ever
Airports upgrade for PNG
Project opens up tourism possibiities PAPUA New Guinea has embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade rural airports in an effort to develop the tourism industry and allow easier access for investors. This will include
