It’s a good week for airline news in Micronesia, with a number of new initiatives set to get off the ground in Palau, Saipan and Guam.
Three aviation companies are planning to bring additional flights to the region.
Qantas announced Oct. 16 it will add Palau to its map for the first time, operating weekly flights from Brisbane to Koror on 737 aircraft.
The service, known as the “Palau Paradise Express,” will operate as part of a contract awarded to Qantas by the Australian government, and will help maintain strong trade and tourism links between Australia and Palau.
The route is expected to commence in the coming months according to Qantas, and flights will go on sale in the next few weeks.
According to Journal files, the flight route was first operated by Nauru Airlines between Brisbane and Palau until Oct. 31, with flights guaranteed to continue until November 2025.
J&P Holdings (CNMI) LLC, which does business as Micronesian Air Cargo Services LLC, is planning to invest more than $8 million in a separate company — Micronesian Air Connection Services — to provide interisland connections throughout the Mariana Islands and has applied to the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority for a Qualifying Certificate.
J&P Holdings is owned by John and Paula Stewart. The new passenger aviation company is called Micronesian Air Connection Services, and a hearing on the QC will be held on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at Marianas High School in Susupe.
The idea of MACS expanding into passenger services is not a new one. The company does run charter flights, and the specific idea of it launching a commuter island has been discussed in the past.
Jose "Joe" C. Ayuyu, president and owner of JCA Guam LLC and JCA Inc., which do business as McDonald's of Guam and Saipan, is the former chairman of the Commonwealth Ports Authority. He told the Journal, “I was pushing for them to enter the market and provide competition for Star Marianas.”
United Airlines flies between Guam and Saipan, as well as internationally from Saipan.
Sister companies to Micronesian Air Cargo Service include Skydive Guam LLC and Skydive Saipan LLC.
China Airlines direct flights on the Taipei-Guam route will start from Nov. 28 and continue to Feb. 1, 2025, according to an announcement made by Chia-Ping Liu, director general, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office on Oct. 15. See: Airline to bring back direct flights to Guam/ Marianas Business Journal mbj