‘Australia-North Pacific Connector Contract for Nauru Airlines
By Sharon Petersen Mon Nov 4, 2024
Nauru Airlines has secured a new agreement with the Australian Government, extending targeted support for an additional year until 31 October 2025 as the airline strengthens its ‘Australia-North Pacific Connector’ route.
The national airline of the Republic of Nauru began its weekly service in October 2022, providing essential air connections between northern and central Pacific nations and key locations in Australia, Asia, and Fiji. The route runs from Brisbane through Nauru, Tarawa, Majuro, and Pohnpei to Palau.
“Nauru Airlines has been at the heart of connecting Micronesia and the central and northern Pacific with Australia for over 53 years,” said CEO Brett Gebers.
Over 12 years ago, Nauru Airlines launched regular services linking Brisbane to Nauru and further to Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. This service paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in October 2022 as the ‘Australia-North Pacific Connector’ under Australia’s Pacific Flights Program. The route was extended to Palau in December last year.
“Connecting Pacific Island countries with Australia is vital for the region’s economic growth, supporting not just tourism but also trade and new business opportunities,” Mr. Gebers noted. “We appreciate the Australian government’s recognition and support for these crucial flights.”
This month, Nauru Airlines will conclude its weekly Brisbane-Palau direct route following the completion of a contract with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Launched on 21 May 2024 as the ‘Palau Paradise Express,’ the service was initiated at DFAT's request to establish a direct air link between Australia and Palau.
“We were honored to fulfill DFAT’s request and appreciate their trust in us to launch the route,” Mr. Gebers said. “The successful roll-out was possible thanks to our partners and suppliers, who helped us achieve this in record time.”
With the contract ending, Qantas will take over the Brisbane-Palau route next month. “We’re excited to collaborate with Qantas to ensure a smooth transition for passengers,” he added.
The ‘Palau Paradise Express’ and the ‘Australia-North Pacific Connector’ are supported by the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program, an Australian Government initiative aimed at building a safer, more resilient, and sustainable aviation sector in the Pacific, enhancing connections and fostering economic growth.
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