Nauru Airlines, the national carrier of Nauru, has unveiled its new Island Hopper Service, establishing an air bridge between Palau and Brisbane, Australia.
The inaugural flight was scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 2023, with the Island Hopper Service landing in Koror, Palau, on Friday, December 1. This weekly service will include stopovers in Nauru, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Pohnpei, fostering travel connections and opening up avenues for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
James Blake, Commercial Manager of Nauru Airlines, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “We are excited to launch our new Island Hopper Service and connect Palau to the rest of the Pacific. This new route will provide new air connectivity for our passengers and will also help to promote tourism and trade in the Pacific region.”
The Island Hopper Service is poised to bring manifold benefits to Palau. Businesses can now facilitate exports to Australia and import fresh produce from the continent, while travelers gain access to new destinations for both leisure and business purposes.
Beyond connectivity, this service will contribute to job creation in Palau, as Nauru Airlines plans to base its crew in the country and has engaged a local company for catering services.
Furthermore, the Island Hopper Service positions Palau as a pivotal gateway to Asia. Filipino seamen in Kiribati and the Marshall Islands, for instance, can now journey home via Palau without the need for a visa. The service also integrates with United Airlines and China Airlines outbound flights, offering passengers access to medical services in the Philippines and other Asian destinations.
The inaugural flight ceremony, scheduled for Friday, December 01, will showcase an Australian sizzler featuring food representations from various regions of Australia. In a community-oriented approach, students will be invited to board the plane for an immersive experience.
Nauru Airlines underscores its commitment to community engagement and sustainability, collaborating with local businesses to ensure the long-term viability of the Island Hopper Service. The airline is actively promoting Palau as a tourist destination, recognising the multifaceted advantages that this enhanced connectivity brings to the region. The Island Hopper Flight Service is made possible in part by the Australian Government’s Flight Programme.
