Qantas gets Palau route as Australia strengthens Pacific ties
Qantas will fly passengers from Brisbane to Palau's capital Koror, as part of an Australian government-supported push to boost aviation and
Tourism
United Airlines to launch direct flights from Japan to Palau
United Airlines announced plans to introduce a year-round, nonstop service between Tokyo/Narita and Koror, Palau, starting in May
Tonga keeps whale watching in check amid global concerns
Tonga, a popular destination for whale-swimming, has carefully balanced its tourism appeal with marine conservation
Northern Marianas seeks to revive tourism amid suspended flights
The CNMI is struggling to revive its main tourism industry to pre-COVID levels three years after the lifting of travel
Australian IMMI APP launched in Fiji
The Australian Government has launched a mobile app that focuses on streamlining visa application processes for Pacific
The “Palauan Dream”
Palau’s tourism industry may be slowly recovering, but there are concerns that its young people are not participating in the
Solomon Airlines celebrates first commercial flights from Honiara to Santo and Auckland to Santo via Port Vila
Solomon Airlines has successfully launched its first commercial flight from Honiara to Santo in Vanuatu on Monday 16 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in expanding its regional connectivity. The airline
In French Polynesia, boom in whale-based tourism sparks concern
A giant whale stole the show at the Summer Olympic Games, shooting out of the water as athletes competed in women’s surfing semi-finals on the French Pacific island of Tahiti last month. It is for spectacular
Opinion: Travel recovery in the Pacific: worrying signs
As the pandemic recedes and gradually fades from people’s memories, travel in the Pacific is rebounding. However, the Pacific’s travel recovery is highly variable. Comparing visitor arrivals in 2023 with those in
Fiji Airways signs lease agreement for three ATR 72-600s
Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) has announced the successful execution of a lease agreement for three ATR 72-600 aircraft with Fiji Airways. The aircraft are from NAC’s orderbook with ATR. Fiji Airways, the national
Mercury spill on Air Niugini aircraft investigated
The PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) is probing a mercury spill from a package aboard an Air Niugini aircraft at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby last month. AIC Chief Commissioner Maryanne
Fiji Airways launches new flights to Dallas
Fiji Airways is spreading its wings to Texas with the launch of flights to Dallas Fort Worth from December 2024. Dallas Fort Worth (also known as DFW) is the headquarters and mega-hub of American Airlines, whose
Air Niugini’s Boeing 737 resume flights to Melanesian countries
Air Niugini’s Boeing 737 aircraft will resume flights to Port Vila in Vanuatu from 03 August. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said that this would provide an opportunity to reconnect
Fiji positioned for growth in Asia Pacific real estate market
Fiji is on the brink of significant growth in the Asia Pacific real estate market, according to Nick Thompson, Hotels and Hospitality Director at JLL New Zealand. Speaking at a recent tourism investment conference,
Luxury tourism operator Vanua Ranch aims for 2026 opening
Vanua Ranch has revealed plans to open Fiji’s first boutique villa resort, blending farm-based experiences with high-end luxury, by 2026. Located in Uciwai, Vanua Ranch will feature 17 exclusive boutique villas
Air Vanuatu liquidation nears final stages with August deadline
Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited (Ltd) entered liquidation on 9 May 2024 and Ernst and Young (EY) were appointed as Liquidators. 09 June marked one month since the liquidation, and Tuesday, 9 July, marked two months.
Guam eyed as Micronesian hub for Nauru Airlines
Guam leaders have begun a dialogue with Nauru Airlines to explore air service expansion and consider a proposal to create a regional hub on island. The meeting between Guam officials and Nauru Airlines executives
‘Very early stages’ of talks on viability of Nauru Airlines’ direct Australia-Guam route
Visiting Nauru Airline officials on Tuesday met with Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and other local officials on the possibility of adding Guam to Nauru Airlines’ route, as it once did in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Air Vanuatu to lose 170 staff as liquidators try to save embattled airline
Nearly 200 people have lost their jobs as liquidators restructure Air Vanuatu to reduce the embattled airline’s operating costs. Approximately 170 staff members have been made redundant as liquidators try to
Tourism Fiji calls for increase in government budget allocation
Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer has called for an increase in government spending towards the tourism sector as it aims to “keep its momentum going”. With the Fiji government’s budget announcement a month
Solomon Airlines to start scheduled services between Vanuatu and NZ
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the airline will commence direct flights between Port Vila and Auckland from 27 May, using Solomon Airlines aircraft to continue air services linking Vanuatu and New Zealand. Solomon
Liquidators say a ‘clearly’ broke Air Vanuatu owes at least $99m
Air Vanuatu administrators say the airline was “clearly not in a position to meet its financial commitments” well before it collapsed earlier this month, and is more than $99 million (US$66 million) short of being
Air Vanuatu: Ernst & Young appointed voluntary liquidators, Fiji Airways boosts capacity to Vanuatu
Ernst & Young Australia have been appointed as Voluntary Liquidators of Air Vanuatu (Operations) Limited. This follows the airline’s cancellation of around 20 flights to and from New Zealand, Australia and
Air Vanuatu grounds flights after reportedly going into administration, Board dissolved
Air Vanuatu has cancelled or adjusted some 20 flights to and from New Zealand, Australia and Nouméa after reportedly being placed into administration. Cancelled flights include services from Port Vila to Auckland on