New carrier One Pacific Airways plans regional network across Micronesia
A newly formed airline, One Pacific Airways, is planning to build a route network across Micronesia and neighboring Pacific islands, starting with small aircraft and expanding over time.
A new airline plans to begin operations across the Federated States of Micronesia and nearby Pacific destinations. One Pacific Airways, backed by the Da Yang Corporation, aims to connect the region's widely scattered islands, where long distances and small populations have made air links hard to sustain commercially.
According to the company, Da Yang Corporation has invested more than 200 million dollars in fishing operations on Kosrae. The airline intends to start service with a Cessna 337. It plans to later add De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft, which are suited to smaller island airstrips. For longer routes, it plans to deploy Embraer ERJ 145 jets, linking Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae with destinations including Majuro and Palau.
The carrier says it wants to carry cargo as well as passengers, and to offer additional services such as medical evacuations, search-and-rescue support, and maritime surveillance.
Its plans go beyond routes. One Pacific Airways said it intends to set up a training academy in Micronesia to develop local pilots, maintenance technicians and other aviation staff. At a presentation of the plans, Pohnpei governor Stevenson A. Joseph voiced his support, saying reliable air links are seen as important for the region's economy and supply chains.
No timeline for the launch of flights was given.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comNeue Airline für Mikronesien plant Flüge bis Palau und Majuro